ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

National Gallery's Mary Magdalene Exhibition to Tour Northern England in 2027

exhibition · 2026-07-23

In 2027, the National Gallery will present the first significant UK exhibition dedicated to Mary Magdalene, exploring her legacy through both historic and contemporary art. Titled "Mary Magdalene: Woman and Myth," the exhibition will be hosted at three venues in northern England: Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, Millennium Gallery in Sheffield, and The Auckland Palace in Bishop Auckland. Featuring eight paintings from the National Gallery, the display includes works by notable artists such as Carlo Crivelli, Annibale Carracci, and Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo, alongside contemporary pieces by Jesse Jones, Alice Maher, and Rachel Fallon. Additionally, a significant loan from Städel Museum will showcase Pierre Puvis de Chavannes' "Saint Mary Magdalene in the Desert."

Key facts

  • First major UK exhibition on Mary Magdalene's legacy through historic and contemporary art
  • Staged by the National Gallery at three venues across northern England in 2027
  • Partnering with Walker Art Gallery (Liverpool), Millennium Gallery (Sheffield), and The Auckland Palace (Bishop Auckland)
  • Exhibition title: 'Mary Magdalene: Woman and Myth'
  • Eight paintings from the National Gallery's collection included
  • Works by Carlo Crivelli (about 1491-4), Annibale Carracci (1604), and Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo (about 1535-40)
  • Three loans: 'Saint Mary Magdalene in the Desert' (1869) by Pierre Puvis de Chavannes from Städel Museum
  • Contemporary works: 'The Tower (Mary Magdalene)' (2022) by Jesse Jones and 'The Map' (2021) by Alice Maher and Rachel Fallon

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Liverpool
  • United Kingdom
  • Sheffield
  • England
  • Bishop Auckland

Sources