The exhibitions you must see this August
Celebrate the summer season with some of the best exhibitions you need to see this August.
Make this your best summer yet with our round-up of six exhibitions opening across the UK that you need to see this August.
From an immersive experience celebrating a beloved local football team at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, to the touring of Gwen John's pioneering paintings at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh – this month's must-see exhibitions have a little something for everyone.
Make sure to pack a National Art Pass to make great savings at every venue listed.
Discover some of the best exhibitions to see in August
Gwen John: Strange Beauties
A trailblazer for 20th-century women artists, dive into the life and legacy of Gwen John in the 150th year since her birth. In this major retrospective that is touring from National Museum Cardiff, marvel at the subtle intensity and restrained palette of her paintings and drawings and uncover how she captured extraordinary depth in the everyday, from her calm landscapes to her sensitive portraits.
Catherine Opie: To Be Seen
Drawing on art historical references and the history of portraiture, contemporary representations of home, family, identity and power are investigated in Catherine Opie's photographic portraits. In the first major museum exhibition of the American artist's work in the UK, journey through the past 30 years of her striking photography, capturing different community groups, from queer and artist communities to high school footballers and political groups. The exhibition tours from National Portrait Gallery in London.
Joe Lycett: Every Thing Must Go
From a woolly mammoth to a Nokia 3310, Princess Diana to Ceefax – comedian turned artist Joe Lycett is spotlighting the things we've loved and lost. Using a bright colour palette and a childlike style coupled with his recognisable tongue-in-cheek, his works are inspired by Birmingham's art collection, creating a 'neon graveyard' of almost 100 things that are no longer with us.
Dinosaurs Are Forever
Walk among the dinosaurs in this major exhibition by Jay Jay Burridge at Blenheim Palace created with the Museum of Natural History, University of Oxford. Marvel at five monumental sculptures, including the mighty Megalosaurus. Did you know? The discovery of this dinosaur in 1824 completely transformed how we understood the natural world, and led to the birth of modern palaeontology. And, it's perfect for families to visit during the summer holidays.
In Pride, In Piety, In Vigilance
Discover Sgàire Wood, a contemporary Irish artist and performer who is exploring ideas of heritage, tradition and violence through a blend of pop culture iconography and the symbolism of heraldry. Wood's background in drag, fashion photography and nightlife lend to humorous performances that combine the art of dance, make-up and costume design. Don't miss Jupiter Artland's annual music and arts festival Jupiter Rising on 22 August and this year's edition is curated by Wood.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Stand or Fall
Immerse yourself in the story of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club in this new gallery dedicated to the beloved local team on its 125th anniversary. From the glorious highs to the challenging lows, trace the club's dramatic journeys in this immersive experience spotlighting key moments in its history and the community who fought to keep it running.