Schiaparelli to Stubbs: London’s Must-See Museum Exhibitions in Spring 2026

The 2026 spring exhibition season in London is characterized by an unprecedented density of world-class art and museology. As the city enters the “blockbuster” season, major institutions are launching retrospectives that bridge the worlds of high fashion, historical mastery, and digital innovation. In this thriving “experience economy,” museums are moving beyond traditional displays to offer highly sensory, immersive, and intellectual narratives that define the UK’s cultural landscape.

Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A

Opening on March 28th at the V&A South Kensington, this exhibition is positioned as the definitive “blockbuster” of the year. It examines the revolutionary career of Elsa Schiaparelli, the 1930s couturier who blurred the lines between fashion and surrealism.

• Surrealist Collaborations: The show highlights her boundary-pushing partnerships with iconic artists like Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau.
• Iconic Objects: Visitors can view over 200 objects, including the legendary “Skeleton” and “Tears” dresses.
• Contemporary Legacy: The exhibition links her historical work to the modern era through the contemporary designs of Daniel Roseberry, demonstrating her enduring influence on couture.

The Science of Art: George Stubbs at the National Gallery

Running from March 12th to May 31st, the National Gallery presents a major solo exhibition dedicated to George Stubbs. Centered on his 1762 life-size masterpiece, Scrub, this show challenges the narrow classification of Stubbs as merely a “sporting artist”.

• Anatomical Precision: The exhibition highlights Stubbs’s scientific rigor and his Enlightenment-era fascination with the natural world.
• A Cultural Milestone: This is a vital stop for those interested in the historical development of British visual culture and the intersection of art and science.

Digital Murals and Environmental Echoes

London’s contemporary galleries are leaning heavily into the “experiential luxury” trend, utilizing technology to redefine the gallery experience.

• David Hockney (Serpentine North): From March 12th to August 23rd, the octogenarian master presents A Year in Normandie. The centerpiece is a monumental 90-meter digital frieze created entirely on an iPad, charting the shifting seasons outside his French studio.
• Hurvin Anderson (Tate Britain): Opening March 26th, this major retrospective features over 80 vibrant paintings. It explores the “Windrush generation,” diaspora, and cultural memory, marking Anderson’s first major solo show at the institution.

Niche and Transgressive Experiences

For the visitor seeking unconventional storytelling, several exhibitions offer “participatory” and niche scientific insights that challenge traditional norms.

• The Museum of Edible Earth (Somerset House): From March 18th to April 26th, this multi-sensory project allows visitors to sample from a collection of over 600 edible soils. It is a highly transgressive experience that examines global culinary and healing rituals.
• The Coming of Age (Wellcome Collection): Opening March 26th, this exhibition merges art, science, and folklore to examine human longevity. It features artifacts ranging from 17th-century potions to the modern bio-hacking routines of tech entrepreneurs.
• Michaelina Wautier (Royal Academy): Opening March 27th, this landmark show is dedicated to a long-overlooked 17th-century female artist from Brussels, highlighting her technical mastery.

Strategic Planning for Art Enthusiasts

With the convergence of St. Patrick’s Day and Mothering Sunday on the weekend of March 14–15, central London will experience high pedestrian density and significant road closures.

• Dual-City Itinerary: Visitors should consider exploring regional powerhouses like Manchester, where the Whitworth hosts Beneath the Great Wave, drawing parallels between Edo-period Japan and Manchester’s Industrial Revolution.
• Early Bookings: Blockbuster shows like Schiaparelli are expected to sell out quickly; securing tickets in advance is essential for any strategic travel plan in March 2026.