London's Must-See Christmas Exhibitions: From Nigerian Modernism to Wes Anderson
During the Christmas holidays, a guide highlights seven prominent cultural exhibitions in London. "Nigerian Modernism" at Tate Modern (8 Oct 2025 – 10 May 2026) presents over 250 pieces from 50 artists, examining the impacts of colonialism and globalization. The V&A's "Marie Antoinette" (20 Sep 2025 – 22 Mar 2026) showcases her fashion through 250 artifacts. At Serpentine, Peter Doig's "House of Music" (10 Oct 2025 – 8 Feb 2026) includes new artworks and restored audio equipment. Tate Britain features a retrospective of Lee Miller (2 Oct 2025 – 15 Feb 2026) with 230 prints. The Design Museum will exhibit "Wes Anderson" (21 Nov 2025 – 4 May 2026), while Serpentine North presents "THE DELUSION" (30 Sep 2025 – 18 Jan 2026) by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley. Lastly, the National Portrait Gallery will display Cecil Beaton's work (9 Oct 2025 – 11 Jan 2026).
Key facts
- Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern runs 8 Oct 2025 – 10 May 2026, with over 250 works by more than 50 artists.
- Marie Antoinette at V&A South Kensington runs 20 Sep 2025 – 22 Mar 2026, featuring 250 objects including silk slippers and jewelry.
- Peter Doig's House of Music at Serpentine runs 10 Oct 2025 – 8 Feb 2026, with a rare 1920s-30s Western Electric/Bell Labs sound system.
- Lee Miller retrospective at Tate Britain runs 2 Oct 2025 – 15 Feb 2026, with about 230 prints and newly discovered works.
- Wes Anderson exhibition at Design Museum runs 21 Nov 2025 – 4 May 2026, first opening of his personal archives.
- Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley's THE DELUSION at Serpentine North runs 30 Sep 2025 – 18 Jan 2026, a multiplayer video game.
- Cecil Beaton exhibition at National Portrait Gallery runs 9 Oct 2025 – 11 Jan 2026, first major show on his career.
- All exhibitions are in London and open during the Christmas holidays.
Entities
Artists
- Aina Onabolu
- Ben Enwonwu
- Bruce Onobrakpeya
- Uche Okeke
- Demas Nwoko
- Susanne Wenger
- Yusuf Grillo
- Peter Doig
- Lee Miller
- Man Ray
- Wes Anderson
- Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley
- Cecil Beaton
- Sofia Coppola
Institutions
- Tate Modern
- Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) South Kensington
- Serpentine
- Tate Britain
- Design Museum
- Serpentine North
- National Portrait Gallery
- Dior
- Chanel
- Vivienne Westwood
- Moschino
- British Vogue
- Zaria Art Society
- Oshogbo school
- Nsukka group
- Western Electric
- Bell Labs
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Nigeria
- Trinidad
- Paris
- New York
- Versailles