Blockbuster exhibitions in the North
Planning a cultural day out in the North of England? From a celebration of Black women artists to a major sculpture retrospective, don't miss the biggest exhibitions open now.
Beyond its stunning scenery, the North of England has a vibrant creative landscape. Whether you're interested in contemporary art or history, learning about the most famous artists or discovering emerging stars, there's an exhibition on offer for every cultural appetite.
From visitor favourites such as Wakefield's Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Liverpool's Walker Art Gallery to historic places like Kendal's Abbot Hall and York's Castle Howard, a rolling programme of must-see exhibitions runs throughout the year.
Here's our guide to some of the biggest blockbuster exhibitions in the North 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 North of England with an Art Pass
Bees: A Story of Survival
Did you know that bees date back to the dinosaurs? This immersive exhibition blends art and science to follow their story from its origins 120 million years ago, to the environmental challenges they face today. Featuring interactive displays, a soundscape of a live beehive, sculptures and projections, rediscover these vital creatures and their current struggle for survival.
Conversations
Celebrate almost 50 Black women and non-binary artists in this major exhibition that aims to foster dialogue and joy. Spanning painting, sculpture and video works from the past decade, it shines a spotlight on these artists' significant contributions to British art.
Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes
Marking 100 years since the publication of the Surrealist Manifesto, Forbidden Territories explores the ways in which surrealist artists used landscapes as a metaphor for the unconscious. Featuring major works of art from the 1920s to the 1940s, this comprehensive showcase includes pieces by Salvador Dalí, Man Ray and Eileen Agar – with interventions by contemporary artists influenced by the movement dotted throughout.
Franki Raffles: Photography, Activism, Campaign Works
Explore the stories of women and their work across the globe, from China to the Caribbean, in this major retrospective of documentary photographer and activist Franki Raffles, who produced a staggering 40,000 images in the space of 10 years. Raffles documented the lives of women all over the world, uncovering key issues including inequality, gendered violence and disability.
Barbara Walker: Being Here
Explore Barbara Walker's works from the 1990s to today in the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist. Her paintings and drawings, including the Turner Prize nominated series Burden of Proof, create space for Black presence, power and belonging.
Bharti Kher: Alchemies
Marvel at monumental bronze sculptures that explore the female body and experience by contemporary artist Bharti Kher. Addressing issues of gender and identity, this major exhibition explores Kher's works from 2000 to today, tracing different approaches from key periods in her career.
The Holly Johnson Story
Travel back in time to 1980s Britain, where punks and new wave bands were revolutionising the culture, in this exhibition celebrating Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman and Liverpool local Holly Johnson. Charting his personal life and career, from budding musician to international star, discover how Johnson dealt with fame, an HIV+ diagnosis, and in turn becoming an LGBTQ+ icon.
The more you see, the more we do.
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