London’s art scene is a vibrant tapestry of creativity, where world-class galleries and innovative spaces offer a wealth of cultural experiences—many of which are completely free. From thought-provoking installations to striking retrospectives, the capital’s free art exhibitions in 2025 provide an accessible gateway to explore contemporary and historical art through a cultural lens. Here’s our curated guide to the best free art exhibitions you can visit right now, each offering a unique perspective on the human experience, identity, and the world around us.
- Arpita Singh: Remembering – Serpentine North Gallery
Until July 27, 2025
Kolkata-born artist Arpita Singh’s first solo exhibition outside India is a vibrant celebration of her six-decade career. Blending surrealism with Indian folk traditions, Singh’s work—spanning bold oil paintings, intricate ink drawings, and abstract watercolours—explores themes of womanhood, memory, and social injustice. Her large-scale piece My Lollipop City: Gemini Rising is a standout, weaving mythology and personal reflection into a dreamlike map of Delhi. This exhibition is a must-see for its emotional depth and cultural resonance, inviting viewers to reflect on the intersection of personal and political narratives. Take a stroll through Hyde Park afterward to let the experience sink in.
Why visit? Singh’s work is a masterclass in storytelling through art, merging vibrant aesthetics with profound commentary on gender and identity, making it a cultural gem for art lovers.
- Eileen Perrier: Portraits of Community – Autograph
Until September 13, 2025
London-born photographer Eileen Perrier’s striking portrait series captures the essence of communities from Peckham to Paris. Her work challenges conventional beauty standards and questions the commodification of identity, presenting individuals with raw authenticity. Each portrait is a window into cultural belonging, family, and personal identity, offering a universal reflection on what it means to be part of a community. Displayed at Autograph in Shoreditch, this exhibition is a powerful exploration of human connection through the lens of photography.
Why visit? Perrier’s ability to capture the soul of her subjects makes this exhibition a moving testament to the diversity and unity of human stories, perfect for those drawn to socially engaged art.
- Giuseppe Penone: Nature and Art – Serpentine South Gallery
Until September 7, 2025
Italian sculptor Giuseppe Penone, a key figure in the Arte Povera movement, brings his fascination with the relationship between humanity and nature to the Serpentine. This comprehensive exhibition features over five decades of his work, including his iconic tree sculptures that extend into the Royal Parks. Using everyday materials, Penone’s art blurs the line between organic and artistic creation, inviting viewers to contemplate humanity’s place in the natural world. The outdoor installations add a poetic dimension, making this a unique cultural experience.
Why visit? Penone’s work is a meditative exploration of nature’s beauty and fragility, offering a serene yet profound artistic encounter for those seeking environmental and philosophical insights.
- 1880 THAT: Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader – Wellcome Collection
Until November 16, 2025
This playful yet powerful exhibition by artist duo Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader explores the nuances of sign language and the exclusion faced by deaf communities. Featuring video, Pop Art, and sculptures, the show reflects on language as a form of home and the emotional weight of its potential loss. Accompanied by British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation and guided tours, this exhibition is both inclusive and thought-provoking, resonating with themes of identity and communication.
Why visit? The exhibition’s innovative blend of art and advocacy makes it a cultural highlight, celebrating accessibility while challenging societal norms around communication.
- Black Sound London – Barbican Music Library
Until July 19, 2025
This dynamic exhibition traces the global influence of British Black music, from jazz and lovers’ rock to grime and drill. Featuring vintage mixtapes, magazine covers, and fly-posted walls, it unpacks how these genres have reshaped Britain’s cultural identity and become powerful statements of resistance. Curated at the Barbican Music Library, this show is a vibrant celebration of music as art and a testament to its role in shaping community and identity.
Why visit? For music and culture enthusiasts, this exhibition offers a rich exploration of how sound can redefine cultural landscapes, blending art with social history.
- Andrea Mantegna’s Triumphs of Caesar – National Gallery
Ongoing
For the first time, six of Andrea Mantegna’s nine iconic canvases, regarded as masterpieces of Italian Renaissance art, are on display at the National Gallery while their home at Hampton Court undergoes renovation. These works depict the grandeur and eventual collapse of Ancient Rome, offering a timeless reflection on power and transience. The free admission makes this a rare opportunity to engage with Renaissance artistry in the heart of London.
Why visit? Mantegna’s paintings are a cultural treasure, blending historical narrative with breathtaking artistry, perfect for those captivated by the intersection of history and visual art.
- Astronomy Photographer of the Year – National Maritime Museum
Until August 11, 2025
This awe-inspiring exhibition showcases the best 100 entries from the 16th annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. From cosmic landscapes to celestial phenomena, the photographs capture the sublime beauty of the universe. Displayed at the National Maritime Museum, this free show is a visual journey that blends science and art, appealing to those who find wonder in the cosmos.
Why visit? The exhibition’s breathtaking imagery transforms scientific exploration into a poetic art form, offering a universal perspective on humanity’s place in the universe.
A Cultural Perspective
These exhibitions reflect London’s unparalleled ability to weave together diverse artistic voices, from global pioneers like Arpita Singh to local talents like Eileen Perrier. They invite viewers to engage with pressing cultural questions—identity, belonging, nature, and communication—while celebrating the accessibility of art. Whether you’re drawn to the emotional depth of portraiture, the philosophical musings of sculpture, or the cultural resonance of music and history, these free exhibitions offer something for every art lover. London’s galleries, from the iconic Tate Modern and National Gallery to smaller spaces like Autograph and the Barbican Music Library, prove that art is a universal language, open to all.
Many of these exhibitions are complemented by London’s free permanent collections at venues like Tate Britain, the V&A, and the British Museum. Pair your visit with a wander through these cultural hubs to make a full day of artistic exploration. Check gallery websites for up-to-date information on opening hours and accessibility options.
Stay Connected! Follow our site for more updates on London’s vibrant art scene and share your experiences with these exhibitions. Dive into the city’s cultural pulse without spending a penny!
What do you think?
Show comments / Leave a comment