What to see in London this month?

A sumptuous and grand exhibition, Frans Hals at the National Gallery is a must-see for art lovers everywhere. Gathering all kinds of works from the Dutch artist, the show comes alive with Hals’ signature warmth and movement. Through cheerful scenes, evocative people and joyful colours, one can’t help but feel uplifted when walking out of this exhibition. Gathering both some of the artist’s most well known works, as well as some of his lesser known portraits, visitors are in for an enchanting journey through the beloved painter’s career and works. Find out more on their website.

The exhibition will run at the Royal Academy until 21 January 2024. Standard admission costs £20.

Offering a more intimate look at some well-loved artists, this exhibition shows you the Impressionists like you’ve never seen them before. Honest and simple, there’s a surprising radicality to the works on paper of artists such as Van Gigh, Monet and Cézanne. Immerse yourself in 19th century France and discover the 77 works that would pave the way for the revolutionary artistic movement that would ensue. Find out more on their website.

The exhibition will run at the Royal Academy until 10 March 2024. Standard admission costs £19.

One thing about the V\&A, is they know how to put on a show-stopping exhibition, and DIVA is no exception. This dazzling show dives into some legendary gowns and costumes and celebrates the power of creativity, performance and fashion. Many iconic looks are on display, from Rihanna’s 2018 Met Gala papal gown, to some of Marilyn Monroe’s film costumes. The exhibition is a true celebration of all things flamboyant and revolutionary. It also makes for a great day out with the family. Find out more on their website.

The exhibition will run at the V\&A museum until 7 April 2024. Standard admission costs £20.

The creator of some of the last five decade’s most alluring and distinguishable photographs, Hiroshi Sugimoto was overdue for an exhibition of this scale in London. His works are memorable and at times overwhelming, making you feel small, but in a rather reassuring way. There’s something rather comforting about knowing how insignificant we are. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on time and memory in a playful way. A meditative show that completely captures the attention of those walking through its halls, this exhibition is well worth stopping by. Find out more about it on their website. 

The exhibition will run at the Southbank Centre until 7 January 2024. Standard admission costs £18.

Curated by the Black Oriented Legacy Development Agency (BOLD), The Missing Thread is all about the exceptional contribution made by Black British culture on Britain’s fashion and design landscape, from the 1970s to today. By exploring the political, social, counter-cultural and cultural climate of the 20th and 21st century, the exhibition does an excellent job at presenting how the development of Black style was shaped by its environment, and how this impacted the mainstream. An evocative and informative look through the evolution of contributions from Black British culture, this show is undeniably unmissable. You can find out more about it on the official Somerset House website.

The exhibition will run at Somerset House until 7 January 2024. Standard admission costs £12.