15 must-see art exhibitions 2025

This article is more than 1 year old

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Whether you're an art aficionado or just someone who loves a good visual story, London and Liverpool have got the perfect exhibitions to offer you.

Both of these bustling cultural hotspots offer a treasure trove of art installations that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. From iconic masterpieces at world-famous institutions to cutting-edge showcases in hidden galleries, we'll guide you through the must-see exhibitions that will ignite your imagination and leave you inspired. Our list of unmissable art exhibitions in 2025 is perfect for seasoned gallery-goers and curious newbies alike, promising unforgettable days out for solo trips, dates, or activities for all the family. 🎨🖼️📸🖌️

Plus, by hopping on an LNR train, you can rest assured that you’re choosing a sustainable travel method whilst reaching your destination in style. 🚆Our trains provide city centre access, so you are never too far away from thought-provoking paintings, immersive digital art and exciting exhibitions for a fun day out.

Ready to dive into the heart of the UK’s buzzing art scene? Read on to discover our top exhibitions that you won’t want to miss in 2025.

Art exhibitions in London

The World of Tim Burton

Open now - 21st April

With a truly iconic career spanning over four decades of cinema, Tim Burton’s distinctive gothic style has become a household favourite for movie lovers of all ages. Visit The World of Tim Burton exhibition and step inside Burton’s universe of whimsical surrealism, located at the Design Museum in London. From his cinematic productions through to his fantastical photography, sketches and moving image designs, this quirky exhibition is sure to be a crowd pleaser for a fun day out in London. 🌀🎩🎃With three dedicated museum shops on site too, you can pick up some quirky gifts and unique souvenirs to round off your day of art. 🛍️

4.2 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: High Street Kensington

SOIL

Open now - 27th April

Ever thought of soil as just dirt? Think again! This exhibition will transform your perception, showcasing soil as a living, breathing entity that sustains life, heals, and inspires. SOIL showcases a unique fusion of art and science that brings to light the hidden world beneath our feet in an engaging mix of sensory artworks, historical objects, and cutting-edge scientific artefacts. 🌎🪱💧This earthy exhibition, located at the historic Somerset House, is also only a short walk away from Neal’s Yard, one of our favourite quirky hidden gems in London, where you can fill up on delicious treats and grab some boutique souvenirs to remember your trip by. 🌈☕🎨

1.6 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: Embankment

Anthony McCall’s Solid Light

Open now - 27th April

McCall’s Solid Light exhibition is not just art—it's an immersive experience where you're an active participant in shaping the visual magic. As you walk through cascading beams of light projected throughout the space, you can become part of the art itself, shaping the light as it moves, transforms and casts shadows. This Tate Modern exhibition offers something for everyone—from art enthusiasts fascinated by light as a medium to those simply seeking a sensory escape and a moment of mindfulness. 💡🧘

2.4 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: London Bridge

Flowers - Flora in Contemporary Art and Culture

Open now - 5th May

Located at the famous Saatchi Gallery and showcasing over 500 unique pieces of art, this immersive exhibition spans various mediums, from painting and photography to fashion and music. Whether you’re an art fanatic or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, the Flowers exhibition promises something to delight everyone. Wander through this beautifully curated exhibition, filled with over 100,000 dried flowers and spectacular digital projections, and fill your senses with the wonderful world of flora for an unforgettable fusion of art and nature. The Saatchi Gallery is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, so there’s never been a better time to visit this world-leading gallery space. The Saatchi gallery is also a great place for a free family trip to London with the kids, with the gallery regularly hosting fun and inclusive art workshops during school breaks too! 🌷🌸🌹🪻

3.6 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: Sloane Square

Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious

Open now - 26th May

For lovers of art, history, and contemporary storytelling, the Tirzah Garwood exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery should be at the top of your London itinerary. The exhibition is the first of its kind in the UK, focusing solely on the contemporary artist Tirzah Garwood and showcasing over 80 paintings, engravings, sketches and sculptures that are infused with Garwood’s unmistakably soft and sophisticated style. What’s more, Dulwich Picture Gallery was the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery, so a trip to the exhibition will also allow you to experience the history of art too. 🧑‍🎨🖌️

6.5 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: Brixton

Electric dreams

Open now - 1st June

Imagine a world where the internet is yet to be born and artists are exploring the frontiers of electronic and digital art. Each work in this fascinating exhibition at the famous Tate Modern gallery highlights the creativity and innovation of artists who pushed the boundaries of what was possible with technology. Electric Dreams is not just about visual delight, it’s also an educational journey that is perfect for history buffs and art nerds alike. Learn about the history of electronic art, the evolution of digital creativity, and how artists use algorithms and machines to create their masterpieces. The engaging and interactive nature of this illuminating exhibition makes it a great outing for families too, with an opportunity to explore, learn, and have fun together. ⚡💡

2.4 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: London Bridge

Do Ho Suh: Walk The House

1st May - 19th October

Step into the extraordinary world of Do Ho Suh with Walk the House , a thought-provoking exhibition that allows you to step straight into the art itself, exploring the spaces we inhabit and how they shape who we are. Do Ho Suh is celebrated for his intricate fabric installations that replicate his homes in Seoul, New York, and London. These life-sized recreations blend architecture, art, and personal narrative, allowing you to travel through spaces that hold layers of emotion in a globally-recognised gallery known for celebrating cutting-edge art. 🏠🚶The Tate Modern gallery is also only a short walk away from some of the most scenic picture spots in London like Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, so make sure to snap some gorgeous photos while you explore the city afterwards. 📸

2.4 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: London Bridge

Frameless

Permanent display

Experience art like never before in this hidden gem exhibition, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city centre. This permanent installation is one of the most exciting top trending places in 2025, allowing some of the most celebrated masterpieces to come to life in a multi-sensory and immersive display. You don’t need to be an art expert to enjoy Frameless , filled with instantly recognisable artworks and calming displays of light and sound so you can lose yourself in the world of art. 🖼️🎨The Frameless exhibition is also around the corner from the beautiful Hyde Park, one of our top London experiences, so be sure to take a stroll through this world famous beauty spot after your day of art.

1.9 miles from London Euston

Closest underground: Marble Arch

Trains to London

Art exhibitions in Liverpool

Art Plays Games

Open now - 27th April

Looking for a way to combine your love for art and gaming in one immersive experience? FACT Liverpool’s Art Plays Games exhibition is the one to beat! This vibrant, interactive installation explores how digital artists and independent game developers use gaming to challenge perspectives, build worlds, and tell unconventional stories. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a casual player, or simply curious about contemporary modes of art, this exhibition promises something for everyone. FACT Liverpool is centrally located too, making it easy to incorporate into your Liverpool day trip itinerary. While you’re there, why not refuel and enjoy some fresh bakes at Moi Bakeshop before heading to the famous docks for a scenic stroll. 🎮🕹️👾

0.4 miles from Liverpool Lime Street

Bees: A Story of Survival

Open now - 5th May

If you’re buzzing for a unique and immersive experience, ‘Bees: A Story of Survival ’ at Liverpool’s World Museum is the exhibition to see in 2025. This extraordinary blend of art, science, and technology dives deep into the world of bees, showcasing their critical role in our ecosystems while confronting the environmental threats they face. Using cutting-edge projections and 4D sensory instalments, this exhibition is a fun and informative day out for all ages whilst giving you an insight into the fascinating world of these often forgotten, life-sustaining creatures. 🐝🌺

0.3 miles from Liverpool Lime Street

Graham Crowley: I Paint Shadows

14th March - 13th July

Crowley, winner of the 2023 John Moores Painting Prize, is set to open an exhibition in March, allowing visitors to gain a deeper insight into his exciting work with light, shadows and luminosity. This solo show entitled I Paint Shadows is a celebration of Crowley's boundary-pushing approach to painting, featuring works that transform everyday scenes into luminous, dreamlike experiences. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or just curious about contemporary creations, this exhibition promises to captivate and inspire. 💡🕯️Crowley’s exhibition, located at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery, is only a short walk away from Liverpool One, the city’s main shopping centre, so feel free to head over afterwards for a spot of shopping and a bite to eat. 🛍️🍕

260 yards from Liverpool Lime Street

The Holly Johnson Story

Open now - 27th July

Visit this fascinating exhibition that fuses music, history and art, and dive into the life of the iconic man behind the chart-topping hits ‘Relax’ and ‘The Power Of Love’. The Holly Johnson Story explores the mind of the frontman of Frankie Goes To Hollywood and his revolutionary career during the 80s that has left a lasting legacy on the music industry. Packed with memorabilia and personal insights into the world of the much-loved singer songwriter, the exhibition details his tumultuous career in the public eye while dealing with negative press and the stigma of being gay. 🧑‍🎤🎤The Museum of Liverpool is also centrally located near some of Liverpool’s best spots, from the iconic Beatles statue to the historic Royal Liver Building, so you can tick some famous landmarks off your Liverpool bucket list too!

0.8 miles from Liverpool Lime Street

Helios at Liverpool Cathedral

4th April - 9th May

A first for the North West! Not only is Liverpool Cathedral the largest in the UK, but in Spring 2025 it is also playing host to Luke Jerram's Helios . A seven-meter illuminated sculpture of the Sun, is making its Northern England debut at Liverpool Cathedral, marking the first time a cathedral worldwide has hosted this artwork. This immersive experience, featuring detailed imagery of the Sun's surface and a surround sound composition, allows visitors to contemplate the Sun's essential role in life. Notably, Liverpool Cathedral is the first venue globally to showcase Jerram's celestial trilogy—"Museum of the Moon," "Gaia," and "Helios"—offering a unique opportunity to witness all three of his awe-inspiring planetary installations.

0.8 miles Liverpool Lime Street

Liverpool Biennial

7th June - 14th September

Gather around, creative connoisseurs and curious passers-by alike, because this art festival is not one to miss! This year’s festival is based on the theme ‘bedrock’, rooted within the physical geography and cultural foundations that make up the vibrant city of Liverpool. Contemporary artists from around the world display their pieces across the city for 14 weeks during the Liverpool Biennial festival, transforming the bustling city centre into a powerful artistic haven. There’s no better way to dive deep into Liverpool’s rich, creative scene than by exploring art across some of its most treasured venues across the city, with thought-provoking performances and inspiring artworks that reflect the ever-evolving world of art. 💃🖼️🎭

Locations to be confirmed around the city centre

Mildred’s Albert Dock Art Trail

Permanent exhibition

Grab your pencils, hit the trail, and let Mildred guide you through one of Liverpool's most scenic and art-filled spots! If you're looking for a perfect family day out in Liverpool that mixes art with a bit of adventure, Mildred's Albert Dock Art Trail is an absolute gem. This free, self-guided art trail offers families the chance to explore the stunning Royal Albert Dock while engaging in a fun, creative challenge, and is the perfect addition to a family walking tour of Liverpool. Inspired by the much-loved children's book about Mildred the art-loving gallery cat from the Tate, the trail features six artworks hidden around the dock's inner quay. Plus, it's available throughout the year, making it the perfect spot for repeat visits to explore more that Liverpool has to offer. 🐈‍⬛🖼️

0.7 miles from Liverpool Lime Street

The Tom Murphy Liverpool Sculpture Trail

Permanent exhibition

Liverpool is a city steeped in history, culture, and creativity—and the Tom Murphy Liverpool Sculpture Trail offers a perfect blend of art and sightseeing that makes exploring the city unforgettable. Renowned local sculptor Tom Murphy has crafted over 30 sculptures that capture the spirit of Liverpool's people, history, and culture. From tributes to Liverpool legends like Ken Dodd, with his iconic tickling stick at Lime Street Station, to poignant memorials like the Hillsborough Monument, the trail offers a journey into the city's heart. The trail takes you past iconic city landmarks like the waterfront, Lime Street, and Concert Square - all while enjoying striking art. Whether you're a local rediscovering your city or a tourist seeing it for the first time, this trail offers something special for everyone. 🗺️📍

Locations around the city centre

Trains to Liverpool

Plan your art trip by train

So, there you have it - our ultimate rundown of the must-see art exhibitions in two of the most exciting cities for creatives in the UK. From historic gallery displays to immersive soundscapes and digital projections, these art exhibitions have something for everyone to enjoy for a unique day out.

What’s more, by hopping aboard an LNR train, you can spend less time travelling and more time admiring these fantastic works of art at your destination. By booking your tickets in advance to London and Liverpool, you can get great prices on your train journeys too, meaning that your next city break doesn’t have to cost the Earth.💰🎟️

Book your trip to London or Liverpool with LNR, let your curiosity lead the way, and get ready to experience the incredible art exhibitions 2025 has to offer! 🚆🖼️