We’re showcasing women in art
We’re big art lovers at London On The Inside, so we always keep on top of all the best exhibitions (including free ones) that are on the city. As 2026 is our Year of the Woman, we also want to spotlight the female-led exhibitions running in London this year too. From shows dedicated to 20th century icons to displays by female artists from around the world, here’s how to celebrate women in art in London.
Catherine Opie
The National Portrait Gallery is hosting the first major museum exhibition of American artist Catherine Opie’s work in the UK. Her work explores topics like home, family, intimacy, identity, politics and power structures and over the past 30 years, she’s photographed queer communities, surfers, political crowds, children, high-school footballers, and often herself too.
Until 31st May 2026
National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE
Marilyn Monroe
To mark her 100th birthday, the Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery will explore the life, career and legacy of the icon Monroe through portraits by some of the greatest photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
4th June – 6th September 2026
National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE
Donna Gottschalk and Hélène Giannecchini
The We Others exhibition at The Photographers’ Gallery brings together Donna Gottschalk’s photographic documentation of queer life with texts by writer Hélène Giannecchini. Both women work to make lives obscured in mainstream history exist in another way.
Until 7th June 2026
The Photographers’ Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies Street, London W1F7LW
Veronica Ryan
Veronica Ryan: Multiple Conversations at the Whitechapel Gallery will be one of the biggest presentations of Ryan’s work to date. More than 100 works created over four decades (including recently rediscovered pieces from the 80s) will be on display, revealing her interest in psychology, memory, history, trauma and recovery.
Until 14th June 2026
77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX
Frida Kahlo
This exhibition at Tate Modern will explore how Frida Kahlo became one of the most influential artists in the world and a cultural phenomenon. Over 30 of her most iconic works will be on display, alongside pieces by those she inspired and objects that represent her transformation into a global brand.
25th June 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Her Stories Untold
Curated by Town Hall’s Director of Art, Virginia Damtsa, in partnership with feminist organisation The Circle, Her Stories Untold celebrates female resilience, creativity, visibility and voice. Works from artists like Abe Odedina, Jonathan Yeo, Bonolo Kavula and Wen Wu are on show.
Until 1st July 2026
Town Hall by Bottaccio, Bidborough St, London WC1H 9AU
Ana Mendieta
This show at Tate Modern showcases the impact that Cuban-born American artist Ana Mendieta has had on contemporary art. Many of her iconic pieces will feature, alongside remastered films, early paintings, and late sculptural pieces.
15th July 2026 – 17th January 2027
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin: A Second Life, the biggest show of Emin’s career, look backs over her 40-year career. Over 90 works are on display, including paintings, videos, neons, sculptures and textiles, showcasing the way she uses art and the female body to explore love, passion, trauma and healing.
Until 30th August 2026
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Es Devlin
The Design Museum is staging the first museum show in the UK dedicated to designer Es Devlin and her 30-year practice that covers everything from kinetic stage sculptures for Olympic ceremonies and iconic musicians to massive art installations, along with new pieces conceived for this exhibition.
18th September 2026 – 11th April 2027
Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG
Nan Goldin
As part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary, The Hayward Gallery is hosting You Never Did Anything Wrong, featuring works by acclaimed American artist and activist Nan Goldin, for what will be her first institutional exhibition in the UK since 2002.
24th November 2026 – 7th March 2027
Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
