An Insider’s Guide to London’s Best Autumn Exhibitions, Shows & Events

Having savoured the heady summer months in London, the new season arrives with a palpable energy. In Soho, the cobbled streets awaken with a renewed creative spirit. Theatres prepare for their autumn line up, and galleries unveil carefully curated exhibitions for the months ahead. Discover the city’s most exciting new happenings, all within easy reach of our hotel.

Exhibitions and Art

David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse
Opening in September 2025
The long awaited David Bowie Centre makes its debut at the V&A East Storehouse in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, offering an unprecedented look into the life and work of one of the world’s most influential cultural icons. Step inside Bowie’s creative universe through his own costumes, handwritten lyrics, stage designs, sound experiments, and sketches that reveal the artistry behind his constant reinvention. It’s worth the journey across London to to experience this landmark opening that celebrates Bowie as artist, disruptor, and visionary.

Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists, National Gallery
From 13 September 2025 ‒ 8 February 2026
Get to the heart of the movement that challenged the very idea of painting. For the first time, the National Gallery will present an exhibition dedicated to the Neo-Impressionists, artists who used pointillism and pure colour to capture a world on the cusp of change. The exhibition brings together the world’s most significant collection of these works, assembled by the pioneering patron Helene Kröller-Müller. This is an exceptional opportunity to experience a collection of works rarely seen outside the Netherlands. The display captures a moment of authentic artistic rebellion, by masters such as Seurat, van Gogh, and Pissarro, offering an original perspective on the period’s craftsmanship.

Frieze Sculpture, Regent’s Park
From 17 September – 2 November 2025
Set within the heart of Regents Park, this free, open-air exhibition invites you to explore an extraordinary collective of sculptures, each a challenge to conventional forms, set against the elegant backdrop of the changing seasons. Now in its 13th year, this year’s exhibition will feature a selection of works by 14 international artists including Assemble, Elmgreen & Dragset, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Erwin Wurm. The chosen theme, “In the Shadows”, imagines the shadow as a space, exploring concepts like ecological absence and ancestral traces. Each piece offers a unique perspective, inviting visitors to look for what is hidden and discover a moving dialogue between art, nature, and storytelling.

Material World at Kew Gardens
From 20 September 2025
Discover how art and nature intertwine in Material World, a new exhibition at Kew Gardens. Spanning five unique installations by visionary artists, explore Lottie Delamain’s vibrant horticultural design, Michael McMillan’s immersive audio-visual experience, and more works that reimagine our relationship with the natural world. A thought-provoking and sensory adventure, Material World is included with standard Kew admission.

Marie Antoinette Style, The V&A
From 20 September 2025
The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is a stunning example of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, designed to be a “cathedral of the arts.” This autumn, it presents an evocative new exhibition delving into the lasting influence of France’s most fashionable queen, Marie Antoinette. As well as displaying a collection of historical pieces, this exhibition journeys through more than 250 years of design, fashion, film, and art, revealing how her innate style has transcended centuries. Enjoy this special look at a complex figure whose youthful spirit and notoriety have continued to inspire artists and designers alike. Explore an era that continues to shape modern aesthetics.

Theatre

Bacchae, National Theatre
From 13 September – 1 November 2025
The National Theatre welcomes a daring new production of Euripides’ classic Greek tragedy, The Bacchae. This bold and scandalous reimagining has been brought to life by director Indhu Rubasingham and promises to be a powerful retelling of an ancient tale. Rubasingham’s version challenges expectations, presenting the Bacchae not as a sideline chorus, but as a pack of stage-storming powerhouses. They are a collective of women ready to cause chaos as their god, Dionysos, arrives to settle a family score. A captivating drama unfolds through rhythm, movement, and music, proving that a classic can also be an uncompromising piece of modern theatre.

Paddington: The Musical, Savoy Theatre
From 1 November 2025 – May 2026
Prepare for a marmalade‑filled theatre treat this autumn as Paddington: The Musical makes its world premiere at London’s historic Savoy Theatre. Following the lovable Peruvian bear’s arrival in London, this heartwarming story—based on Michael Bond’s cherished books and beloved films—unfolds with dazzling choreography and music, and plenty of mishaps—and, of course, marmalade sandwiches. Directed by Luke Sheppard with a book by Olivier Award‑winner Jessica Swale and music and lyrics by Tom Fletcher of McFly, the production invites audiences aged six and up (babes‑in‑arms not permitted) to experience Paddington’s search for home, the warmth of the Brown family, and the spirit of belonging in the heart of the West End.

Dead Man Walking, English National Opera
From 1 – 8 November 2025
Based on a true story, this story follows Sister Helen Prejean as she offers spiritual guidance to a convicted murderer on death row. The opera beautifully contrasts a poignant and masterful score by Jake Heggie with the raw emotional drama of a family’s grief and a man’s journey to the end. With a stellar cast, including Christine Rice, Michael Mayes, and Dame Sarah Connolly, this is a purpose-driven production that showcases the very best of modern opera. Journey into the complexities of crime, justice, and humanity, and experience the emotional depth of Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s operatic drama at the London Coliseum. This is an exceptional and moving piece of contemporary artistry.

Events

Jurassic World: The Experience
Until 30 September 2025
Step through the legendary gates of Jurassic World at NEON, Battersea Power Station, and embark on a thrilling 50-minute adventure across 3,200 square metres and two floors of prehistoric wonder. Journey through 10 immersive zones that bring Isla Nublar to life: walk beneath a towering Brachiosaurus, come face-to-face with Velociraptor Blue, and stand your ground against the mighty T. rex. Explore the Creation Lab, where you’ll witness baby dinosaurs hatching and even get hands-on with real fossilised bones. Along the way, learn about cutting-edge genetics and relive iconic moments from one of cinema’s greatest franchises. Already enjoyed by over 8 million people worldwide, this family-friendly experience combines blockbuster spectacle with interactive fun—right in the heart of one of London’s most picturesque locations.

London Design Festival, various venues across London
13-21 September 2025
London finds its most vibrant sense of expression during the London Design Festival. Launched to promote the city as a design capital, this annual celebration draws together a community of the country’s most pioneering thinkers and practitioners. The festival, which has served as a blueprint for design weeks globally, is a key moment on the cultural calendar, showcasing inspiring craftsmanship and innovative ideas. It’s a truly authentic and vibrant celebration, and a great excuse to explore a thought provoking side of the capital.

Chelsea Physic Garden Open Weekend
27 & 28 September 2025
As part of the Chelsea History Festival, London’s oldest botanic garden throws open its gates for a special free-access weekend. Families can dive into hands-on activities including pond dipping, craft workshops, and lively storytelling, while also meeting costumed historical characters who bring the garden’s 350-year legacy to life. A rare chance to explore this hidden riverside treasure and enjoy nature, history, and creativity together.

Frieze London, Regents Park
15-19 October 2025
Held each October, Frieze London is a celebrated contemporary art fair that showcases work from living artists and galleries worldwide. Founded in 2003 by Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, and directed by Eva Langret, the event draws over 60,000 visitors annually, including curators, collectors, and the general public. Frieze London runs alongside its sister fair, Frieze Masters, which focuses on historical art. The two are connected by Frieze Sculpture, mentioned above, a free outdoor display of original works in the park, directed by Fatoş Üstek. The 2025 edition of Frieze London will feature a new layout and curated sections designed by A Studio Between.

Bloomsbury Festival
17-19 October 2025
Bloomsbury, with its longstanding history as a hub for intellectual and artistic minds, comes alive this season with its annual celebration of community and creativity. Under the theme, “The Paths We Tread,” the festival explores the rich history of its streets and the stories of those who walked them. The programme spans contemporary arts, music, theatre, and talks, each offering a chance to engage with a neighbourhood’s heritage and its enduring spirit. Discover the fascinating and diverse minds connected to the Bloomsbury area.

This autumn, London is more vibrant than ever. Plan your visit and discover a city defined by originality during your stay with us at Hotel Café Royal.