Major art exhibitions and architecture openings to watch in 2026

The Guardian has rounded up the art shows and architecture projects to look out for in 2026, from Beryl Cook’s centenary exhibition at The Box in Plymouth to the completion of the final spire at Barcelona’s Sagrada Família. Highlights in the visual arts include The Box’s largest-ever presentation of Beryl Cook (24 January–31 May); Gwen John at the National Museum Cardiff (7 February–28 June); Lucian Freud’s drawings at the National Portrait Gallery (12 February–4 May); Seurat at the Courtauld (13 February–17 May); and Beatriz González at the Barbican (25 February–10 May).

The roundup also flags Tracey Emin’s Tate Modern show (27 February–31 August), which it says should boost ticket sales and, "if there is justice, rave reviews." Other exhibitions named range from Angela de la Cruz at Ikon, Birmingham (25 March–6 September), to Frank Bowling at the Fitzwilliam (27 March–17 January 2027), Zurbarán at the National Gallery (2 May–23 August), and major shows at Tate Modern including Frida Kahlo (25 June–3 January 2027) and Ana Mendieta (9 July–10 January 2027).

The British Museum will host the Bayeux Tapestry when it "opens autumn," and the National Gallery will present Van Eyck (21 November–11 April 2027).

Key Topics

Culture, Beryl Cook, The Box, Tate Modern, Bayeux Tapestry, Sagrada Família