Free Exhibitions in London

London is a city that offers a wealth of cultural attractions, from world-class museums and galleries to historic landmarks and monuments. But did you know that you can enjoy many of these attractions for free? Yes, you read that right. London has a generous selection of free exhibitions that you can visit all year round, covering a range of topics, themes, and genres. Whether you are interested in art, history, science, or nature, you will find something to suit your taste and curiosity in London.

In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best free exhibitions in London that you can see right now, or in the near future.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum, or V&A for short, is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with over 2.3 million objects spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum has a permanent collection that is free to enter, as well as a programme of temporary exhibitions that are either free or charge a small fee. Some of the current and upcoming free exhibitions at the V&A are:

• Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser (until 27th February 2024): This exhibition explores the origins, adaptations, and reinventions of Alice in Wonderland, one of the most influential and iconic stories of all time. You can see over 300 objects, including original drawings, manuscripts, costumes, films, and games, that illustrate the enduring appeal and cultural impact of Alice and her fantastical world.
• Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution (until 8th May 2024): This exhibition showcases the exquisite creations of Fabergé, the legendary Russian jeweller, who had a branch in London from 1903 to 1917. You can admire over 200 objects, including imperial Easter eggs, animal sculptures, jewellery, and silverware, that reveal the craftsmanship, innovation, and glamour of Fabergé.
• Bags: Inside Out (until 16th January 2024): This exhibition celebrates the style, function, and status of bags, from the 16th century to the present day. You can see over 300 bags, from designer handbags and military rucksacks to vanity cases and gas masks, that tell the stories of their makers, owners, and users.

The Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum is a museum dedicated to British cartoons, comics, and animation, with a collection of over 9,000 original artworks and 18,000 books and comics. The museum has a permanent gallery that is free to enter, as well as a programme of temporary exhibitions that are either free or charge a small fee. Some of the current and upcoming free exhibitions at the Cartoon Museum are:

• The Many Lives of Captain Tom (until 30th January 2024): This exhibition pays tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, the war veteran and fundraiser who became a national hero during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can see over 40 cartoons and caricatures that capture his remarkable life, achievements, and legacy.
• The Inking Woman (until 27th March 2024): This exhibition celebrates the work of British women cartoonists and comic artists from the 18th century to the present day. You can see over 100 original artworks, from satirical prints and graphic novels to webcomics and zines, that showcase the diversity, creativity, and humour of women in the field.
• The Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules (from 19th February to 29th May 2024): This exhibition marks the 70th anniversary of The Beano, one of the most popular and influential British comics of all time. You can see over 150 original artworks, sketches, and memorabilia that trace the history, evolution, and impact of The Beano and its rebellious characters, such as Dennis the Menace, Minnie the Minx, and The Bash Street Kids.

Brunei Gallery SOAS

The Brunei Gallery SOAS is a gallery that showcases the art and culture of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with a focus on contemporary and historical issues. The gallery is part of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), a leading institution for the study of these regions. The gallery has a permanent collection that is free to enter, as well as a programme of temporary exhibitions that are either free or charge a small fee. Some of the current and upcoming free exhibitions at the Brunei Gallery SOAS are:

• The Making of African Art (until 19th March 2024): This exhibition explores the history, diversity, and creativity of African art, from ancient times to the present day. You can see over 100 objects, including sculptures, masks, textiles, and paintings, that illustrate the artistic traditions, techniques, and influences of African artists.
• The Art of Resistance: Defending Academic Freedom in Turkey (until 19th March 2024): This exhibition highlights the plight of Turkish academics who have been persecuted, dismissed, or imprisoned for signing a peace petition in 2016. You can see over 50 artworks, including cartoons, posters, photographs, and videos, that express the solidarity, courage, and resilience of the academic community in Turkey.
• The Art of Ink in Africa (from 8th April to 25th June 2024): This exhibition showcases the art of ink in Africa, from calligraphy and manuscripts to graffiti and tattoos. You can see over 60 artworks, including books, scrolls, prints, and murals, that demonstrate the diversity, beauty, and significance of ink in African cultures.

These are just some of the best free exhibitions in London that you can visit as a culture lover. If you are looking for a place to stay near these exhibitions, we recommend our 4 stars hotels in central London.