London’s museums and galleries are buzzing with exciting exhibitions this autumn. From the thousand-year-old Bayeux Tapestry returning to England for the first time since it was made, to Frida Kahlo and Renoir, the capital’s cultural calendar is packed with reasons to explore. There’s plenty of variety, whether you’re interested in Old Masters, Impressionism, photography, contemporary art, or fashion
With Thameslink taking you straight into the heart of the city, discovering London’s biggest cultural highlights couldn’t be easier. And when you travel by train, you can unlock discounts on selected attractions and exhibitions. Here’s our pick of must-see culture to add to your list this autumn.
The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum
See one of the world’s most famous medieval artworks at the British Museum this autumn, as the Bayeux Tapestry returns to England for the first time since it was made almost 1,000 years ago. The 70-metre-long embroidery tells the story of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It’s being displayed in the British Museum’s Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery from September 2026 until July 2027.
- Exhibition dates: Until July 2027
- Address: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG
- Phone: 020 7323 8299
- Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm, Fridays until 8:30pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London St Pancras International
Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern
Step into the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern with Frida: The Making of an Icon. This major exhibition explores how the Mexican artist became one of the most recognisable figures in modern art and a global cultural icon. When you travel by train, you can get 2FOR1 entry to this exhibition, making it a particularly tempting autumn day out.
- Exhibition dates: Until 3 January 2027
- Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
- Phone: 020 7887 8888
- Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
Julio Le Parc: Light. Colour. Action. at Tate Modern
Prepare for an exhibition that puts light, colour and movement centre stage at Tate Modern. Julio Le Parc: Light. Colour. Action. celebrates the pioneering work of the Argentinian artist, whose kinetic art uses movement, mirrors and light to transform the way visitors experience a gallery space. Even better, when you travel by train, you can get 2FOR1 entry.
- Exhibition dates: Until 3 May 2027
- Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
- Phone: 020 7887 8888
- Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
Ana Mendieta at Tate Modern
Discover the work of Cuban-born American artist Ana Mendieta at Tate Modern in the first major UK exhibition dedicated to her work in more than a decade. Mendieta is best known for her Silueta Series, in which she explored the presence and absence of the human body by creating temporary forms in landscapes using natural materials including earth, fire, water and flowers.
- Exhibition dates: Until 17 January 2027
- Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
- Phone: 020 7887 8888
- Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
The 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain
Go back to the decade of Britpop, grunge, supermodels and boundary-pushing art with The 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain. Curated by previous editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, the exhibition explores the dramatic changes in British art, fashion and culture during the 1990s. It brings together work by artists, photographers and designers who helped define the decade, including Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst and Yinka Shonibare, alongside photography and fashion from the era.
- Exhibition dates: Until 14 February 2027
- Address: Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG
- Phone: 020 7887 8888
- Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
Light and Magic: The Birth of Art Photography at Tate Modern
See photography in a different light at Tate Modern with Light and Magic: The Birth of Art Photography. The exhibition explores how photography developed from a scientific curiosity into an established artistic medium. The result is a fascinating look at photographers experimenting with composition, light, atmosphere and technique as they established photography’s place alongside painting and sculpture.
- Exhibition dates: 14 October 2026 - 21 February 2027
- Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
- Phone: 020 7887 8888
- Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 9pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
Renoir and Love at the National Gallery
Fall for Impressionism at the National Gallery with Renoir and Love, a major exhibition exploring Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s fascination with love, friendship, social life and everyday relationships. From couples dancing and friends raising a glass to families and scenes of everyday life, the exhibition reveals how Renoir returned again and again to the people and relationships around him. Get 2FOR1 entry for this exhibition when you travel with Thameslink.
- Exhibition dates: 3 October 2026 - 31 January 2027
- Address: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
- Phone: 020 7747 2885
- Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays until 9pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
Van Eyck: The Portraits at the National Gallery
Meet the people of 15th-century Europe through Van Eyck: The Portraits at the National Gallery. For the first time, all nine of Jan van Eyck’s known painted portraits are being brought together in one exhibition. This is a rare opportunity to see these works together, including the National Gallery’s own Arnolfini Portrait alongside other portraits from collections across Europe. Get 2FOR1 entry for this exhibition when you travel with Thameslink.
- Exhibition dates: 21 November 2026 - 11 April 2027
- Address: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
- Phone: 020 7747 2885
- Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm, Fridays until 9pm
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
