Must-see exhibitions in the Midlands
Don't want to miss the very best exhibitions open now in the Midlands? From astonishing wildlife photography to a celebration of flowers, these are the must-see shows of the moment.
Famous for being a cradle of industry, the Midlands is dotted with the landmarks of this history – from Middleport Pottery, now an award-winning visitor destination, to a rich cluster of sites in Telford, including Coalport China Museum, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the Tar Tunnel.
A cultural day of exploration in the Midlands might also include the sculpture park at Compton Verney, stellar contemporary art spaces such as Nottingham Contemporary and Ikon Gallery in Birmingham, or the internationally important collection at Weston Park – but for knockout temporary exhibitions in the region, you'll want to take a look at the evolving selection below.
So if you're planning a day out in major cities including Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham and Wolverhampton, or you're looking to discover a hidden gem, check out our guide to the biggest exhibitions in the East and West Midlands open now.
Don't forget to pack your National Art Pass to get great benefits at every venue, and check out our full listings for more upcoming exhibitions.
Discover some of the best exhibitions in the East Midlands and West Midlands with an Art Pass
Mahtab Hussain: What Did You Want To See?
Take a closer look at Britain's surveillance culture in this important photography exhibition by Mahtab Hussain, who has systematically documented 160 mosques in Birmingham. These images trace the architectural diversity across the city and its vibrant Musclim community, while the exhibition's installation offers a communal space to foster inclusion and intercultural dialogue.
The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth
Celebrate the blooming of spring in this exhibition inspired by Chatsworth's estate, and the people who have transformed it into a botanical treasure trove over the last 600 years. Both historical and contemporary works of art from the Devonshire Collections and on loan from major museums reveal the power and endurance of nature.
Emii Alrai: River of Black Stone
Journey through an immersive installation of sculptural works by contemporary artist Emii Alrai. Inspired by Compton Verney's painting collection and the destructive force of volcanic eruptions, she blends ancient mythology, research and nostalgia to examine the present moment. And while you're there, don't miss Towering Dreams: Extraordinary Architectural Drawings.
Rhea Storr: Subjects of State, Labours of Love
Immerse yourself in a film installation that provides an intimate portrait of Caribbean communities across the UK, from shared moments of joy and celebration to difficult experiences of struggle and oppression. Rhea Storr explores the representation of Black and mixed-race people on film in this new work, supported by Art Fund.
Allan Weber: My Order
The first institutional solo exhibition dedicated to the work of Rio de Janeiro-born, multi-disciplinary artist Allan Weber in a major UK cultural institution, My Order explores life within the favelas of this Brazilian city. Mixing existing works with new, site-specific commissions, the exhibition invites connection with a part of Rio de Janeiro's society that is often maligned and overlooked.
The more you see, the more we do.
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