Somerset House's HOLY POP! Explores Fandom as Contemporary Worship

Somerset House will open HOLY POP!, a major summer exhibition examining celebrity devotion and fan rituals, from 21st May to 9th August 2026 in the Terrace Rooms. Curated by Tory Turk with support from Senior Curator Claire Catterall, the show brings together art, memorabilia, and photography to explore how pop stars and cultural icons become focal points for identity and emotional connection. Featuring references to David Bowie, Princess Diana, Andy Warhol, Britney Spears, Prince, and Dobby, the exhibition moves from personal acts of devotion to communal grief. Highlights include Emma Hart's shrine to Prince comprising around 250 objects, and a piece of Nina Simone's chewing gum collected by musician Warren Ellis, which inspired his memoir. The exhibition is part of Somerset House's wider summer programme, alongside the Summer Series featuring The Flaming Lips, Black Country, New Road, and Agnes Obel.