Is aging merely the body diminishing over time, or a new phase of transformation, experience, and resilience? Wellcome Collection in London pursues this question with its exhibition titled “The Coming of Age,” fundamentally questioning society’s perception of growing older. Running from March 26 to November 29, 2026, the free exhibition examines the journey of aging from adolescence to the final moments of life at the intersection of art, science, and popular culture.
In today’s world where human life expectancy is increasing globally—with one in ten children in the UK expected to live past 100—the exhibition takes shape around the question: “Who has the right to live longer and ‘well’?”
150 Works, Giant Artists, and Timeless Objects
Featuring works by world-renowned contemporary artists such as Paula Rego, John Coplans, Serena Korda, Suzanne Lacy, Anna Maria Maiolino, and Rory Pilgrim, the selection displays over 150 objects ranging from historical artifacts to artificial intelligence projects.
The Value of 100 Years and Silver Sake Cups: The story of the silver sake cups gifted by the Japanese government to citizens turning 100 since 1963 stands out as one of the exhibition’s most striking details. Given to only 153 people in 1963, the cups were switched to a nickel alloy due to budget constraints when the number exceeded 29,000 in 2014. The object questions the balance between respect offered to an aging population and state resources.
Symbols of Support and Fragility: Daphne Wright’s sculpture “Zimmer” presents walkers not as a symbol of fragility, but as a tool of resilience; while Charles Darwin’s skull-figured walking stick serves as a reminder of life’s fragility.
From Adolescence to Second Adolescence: Carolyn Mendelsohn’s Age of Wonder portraits, stemming from adolescence research conducted with 30,000 young people in Bradford, alongside Flo Brooks’ “second adolescence” paintings produced while undergoing hormone therapy and gender transition alongside parental caregiving, prove that stages of age do not progress on a single line.
Menopause and ‘Crone’ Power: Serena Korda’s giant Crone sculptures, which treat menopause not as a loss but as wisdom and positive transformation, challenge cultural stereotypes that belittle women’s aging.
Alzheimer’s and Artistic Memory: William Utermohlen’s self-portraits, conveying changes in brain and spatial perception onto canvas after being diagnosed with dementia, reveal the unique bond between neurology and art.
Japan’s Restaurant of Mistaken Orders: The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders project, where individuals with dementia work as waitstaff and “mistaken orders” are considered an occasion for human connection rather than a flaw, presents a joyful manifesto shattering societal prejudices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does “The Coming of Age” exhibition take place?
The exhibition is held between March 26 and November 29, 2026, at Wellcome Collection in London (183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE – Gallery 1, Level 0).
Is entry to the exhibition paid?
No, entry to the exhibition is completely free of charge. Wellcome Collection’s general galleries can be visited free of charge.
What accessibility facilities are available at the exhibition?
The museum offers wheelchair accessibility, audio-described tours, British Sign Language (BSL) translations, and relaxed openings visiting sessions for neurodivergent individuals.
