January in London might feel a bit tough with damp, darkness, and the misery that often comes with the end of the festive season. Everyone tends to complain about the cold and the lingering effects of Christmas – those extra Christmas pounds and the paltry sums left in your bank account after the holidays.
Yet, it’s not all bad. There’s a silver lining to this winter month, and it lies in the world of art. If you’re feeling the weight of the fat that stuck to your gut from all the holiday treats, it won’t help you lose those pounds, but it’ll give you a distraction from the gloom.
London is home to a variety of art exhibitions in January, from sculpture and painting to more unique forms like concrete poetry and scent-infused installations. While the weather might not be ideal, these exhibitions offer something to do, even if just to lift your spirits and remind you that there’s more to this month than the weather.
Some say it’s the perfect time to escape the indoors and explore something enriching. The art scene in January offers a refreshing chance to break free from the winter darkness. So, if you’re tired of the cold, remember that the vibrant world of art is waiting to be explored. Cheer up – London’s galleries are ready to show you a different side of the season.
Does Exhibitions London January 2026- The Short Answer
January in London may be cold, dark, and financially draining after Christmas, but the city’s art scene offers a welcome escape. From major gallery shows to immersive, experimental exhibitions, January is packed with opportunities to lift your mood, stay inspired, and remember there’s more to this bleak month than bad weather.
Nine London Art Exhibitions to See in January
New Contemporaries at ICA
The annual celebration of the UK’s top art graduates has returned to London, this time at a new venue. New Contemporaries is a chance to see the fresh works coming from art schools across the country. It’s the perfect opportunity to spot some of the potential stars of the future and to feel the pulse of young art in the UK right now.
With so many innovative pieces churning out of the studios, this exhibition gives a glimpse into the best and brightest in the art world, making it a must-see for anyone interested in what’s to come.
Condo
Condo is a unique city-wide mega-exhibition that brings together galleries from around the world in an exciting collaboration. This January, 49 galleries will showcase their works across 22 spaces in London. It’s an incredible opportunity to see contemporary art from places like Luanda, Guatemala, and Bangkok.
For example, Sadie Coles HQ will host Jahmek Contemporary Art, and The Sunday Painter will feature Proyectos Ultravioleta. The exhibition is a perfect chance to explore global talent, and the opening weekend is always a fun spectacle, with the art scene traipsing from gallery to gallery, judging each other’s choices in jackets and winter footwear. It’s an event that mixes great art with the perfect aesthetic experience.
Breaking Lines’ at the Estorick Collection
The Estorick Collection presents an in-depth show exploring the expressive force of words within Futurism, a movement founded by Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti. While often seen as a visual phenomenon, Futurism has strong poetic roots.
If you’re planning cultural experiences while deciding on the Best Area to Stay in London, this exhibition offers a unique insight into how avant-garde language shaped concrete poetry and the heart of the movement.
Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism at the Royal Academy
Brazilian modernism is a hot topic in the art world right now. Following the brilliant show at Raven Row titled Some May Work As Symbols, and the less good Lygia Clark show at the Whitechapel Art Gallery, the RA now takes its turn with an exhibition that promises to be a comprehensive historical look at the birth and evolution of one of modernism’s most colourful and energetic iterations.
This exhibition explores the exciting roots of Brazilian modernism, which continues to inspire and captivate artists and audiences worldwide.
Citra Sasmita: ‘Into Eternal Land’ at the Barbican
Citra Sasmita’s exhibition, Into Eternal Land, at the Barbican offers a truly immersive experience that feels as transportive and emotionally rich as visiting Charleston House in Lewes. The Curve installation takes you on a journey through ancestral memory, ritual, and migration, with the space wrapped in a panoramic scroll painting, layered with ambient sound and drifting scents that create a fully sensory experience.
This installation carries you into a mythological, post-patriarchal world filled with powerful women, celebrating art and culture while evoking deep emotion and a sense of timelessness—much like the enduring creative spirit found at Charleston House, Lewes.
Thomas Ruff: ‘Expériences Lumineuses’ at David Zwirner
Thomas Ruff, a key figure in the Düsseldorf School of photographers, has changed the face of photography with his quiet, minimal and experimental approach. In this exhibition, you’ll see abstract and new works on the ground floor, along with a selection of images from throughout his career upstairs.
Ruff’s mastery in transforming photography into an art form that challenges traditional boundaries is evident, offering a fresh perspective on the medium.
At Home: Alice Neel in the Queer World at Victoria Miro
Alice Neel was one of the most important chroniclers of modern life. Known for her tenderness and bare honesty, she painted the people around her, capturing their raw and real selves. This show, following the 2022 exhibition ‘There’s Still Another I See’, focuses on her depictions of figures from queer communities.
It includes politicians, philanthropists, writers, performers, artists, friends, and neighbours, offering a powerful examination of life on the margins. The exhibition also touches on the idea of piercings in unmentionable places, further exploring personal identity and its connection to society. Neel’s work remains a timeless exploration of the human condition.
Jonathan Baldock: ‘0.1%’ at Bloomberg SPACE
In Jonathan Baldock’s latest installation at Bloomberg SPACE, the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras becomes the backdrop for a series of mythological, folkloric, and paganistic sculptural shenanigans. The artist uses natural fabrics like hessian and clay to create an intimate reflection on his family history as hop-gatherers.
This work ties together shamanistic ideas of divinity and ritualism, exploring themes of spirituality and heritage. Baldock’s approach blends ancient traditions with personal history, offering a unique and evocative experience.
Christina Kimeze: ‘Between Wood and Wheel’ at South London Gallery
In Christina Kimeze’s exhibition at the South London Gallery, solitary women appear to haunt natural landscapes, blending into the ghostly, hazy, and enigmatic settings of the paintings. This work, part of a broader trend in contemporary figuration, offers a joyful heart as it explores the enduring popularity of roller skating within Black communities in London and beyond. The exhibition celebrates the freedom of movement, symbolising both joy and liberation in the world of roller skating, while honouring its place in cultural history.
- Marie Antoinette Style
- V&A South Kensington
- Theatre Picasso
- Tate Modern
- Lee Miller
- Tate Britain
- Nigerian Modernism
- Tate Modern
- Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s
- Design Museum
- Dirty Looks: Desire And Decay In Fashion
- Barbican
- Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies
- Somerset House
FAQ
Is January a good time to visit London?
January is a good time to visit London, especially if you want to save money and avoid large crowds. It’s the quietest month for tourists, making it easier to find better deals on flights and hotels. However, the weather can be cold and wet, and the days are short, so it’s best to focus on indoor activities like museums and shows to make the most of your visit.
What are the best immersive exhibitions in London?
If you’re looking for an immersive experience in London this January, Banksy: Limitless is a must-see. This tribute to the street artist invites you to step inside some of the most famous paintings in the world. Also worth visiting are the Moco Museum and Bubble Planet, offering unique, interactive experiences.
For a mind-bending adventure, check out the Paradox Museum or head to Frameless London for cutting-edge, multi-sensory exhibits. You can also enjoy the playful worlds of the Twist Museum and Illusionaries, while Outernet offers an entirely new kind of immersive digital space.
Is the British Museum open in January?
The British Museum is open every day in January, except for 24, 25, and 26 December, and 1 January. The galleries are divided by location and time period, such as Asia, Ancient Egypt, and Rome, offering a rich and diverse experience. It’s open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm, with extended opening hours on Friday, when most galleries stay open until 8.30 pm.
What new exhibitions have just opened in London?
Some exciting new exhibitions have just opened in London. At New Art Projects, you can visit the Anna Thew Exhibition in London EC1V 1LR. Over at Somerset House, the Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies Exhibition is showcasing innovative works at London WC2R 1LA.
For a different experience, 67 features the works of Areum Yand and Hwi Hahm at PM/AM in London W1W 8DR. Lastly, don’t miss A Story of South Asian Art: Mrinalini Mukherjee and Her Circle Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, located in London W1J 0BD. These exhibitions provide a wonderful mix of contemporary art, performance, and South Asian culture, making them a must-see this January.
