MK Gallery Opens Major L.S. Lowry Retrospective as Milton Keynes Reaches UK City of Culture 2029 Shortlist

Milton Keynes has been named as a contender for the UK City of Culture 2029, a revelation made during the launch of the MK Gallery's exhibition, L.S. Lowry: The Theatre of Life, on 24 October 2026, which will continue until 28 February 2027. This marks the first significant showcase of Lowry's art in over thirteen years, displaying more than 140 artworks, including loans from the Lowry in Manchester, Tate, and the Royal Academy of Arts. Among the highlighted pieces are A Football Match (1932) and Lancashire Fair: Good Friday, Daisy Nook (1946). Director Anthony Spira described the exhibition as a precursor to Milton Keynes' sixtieth anniversary. A 200-page monograph featuring contributions from various artists will be released alongside the show. MK Gallery operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.