London never has any shortage of things for residents and tourists alike to explore. From summer festivals to theatre shows and gallery exhibitions, the city is a cultural hub that never sleeps. If you’re planning your autumn days out, check out our list of exhibitions that shouldn’t be missed.
When you’ve finished a day of culture, why not enjoy a meal at our Indian in South Kensington? Just a few Tube stops from many of the museums and galleries we’ve highlighted, Little India offers mouth-watering cuisine and good old-fashioned service.
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 – National Portrait Gallery
A prestigious painting competition, the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award celebrates contemporary portraiture and the classical and innovative techniques used to express the human form. This year, 46 portraits from around the world have been selected for display, showcasing a variety of approaches and processes. Among the selection are works by Moira Cameron, Tim Benson and Michelle Liu.
The exhibition runs until 12 October 2025.
Ancient India – British Museum
Reaching back over 2,000 years, this captivating exhibition explores early devotional pieces from Hindu, Jain and Buddhist faiths in India. Highlighting the inspiration behind depictions of deities and the ways in which they were shared, it is a colourful, multi-sensory display featuring more than 180 sculptures, paintings, drawings and manuscripts.
The exhibition runs until 19 October 2025.
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur – The Wallace Collection
The largest contemporary exhibition ever held at The Wallace Collection, Delusions of Grandeur showcases more than 40 new works by the renowned artist Grayson Perry. Exploring the nature of craft making and our search for perfection, it displays ceramics, tapestries and digital works that spark questions about authenticity and the artist’s role in the future.
The exhibition runs until 26 October 2025.
Kerry James Marshall: The Histories – Royal Academy of Arts
International artist Kerry James Marshall is considered one of the most important painters working today. This exhibition showcases his powerful paintings of African American life, making visible those who have been noticeably absent in works that came before him. From art history and civil rights to comics and sci-fi, his art references a variety of themes and celebrates everyday life.
The exhibition runs from 20 September 2025 until 18 January 2026.
Dress Codes – Kensington Palace
Discover never-before-seen royal fashion treasures in this fascinating exhibition that explores the codes and conventions of royal clothing. From pieces worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria to Dame Vivienne Westwood, it features some 10,000 objects spanning 500 years.
The exhibition runs until 30 November 2025.
Post-exhibition dining
Whether you want to discover paintings, artefacts or fashion this autumn, why not end your day with a selection of delicious dishes at Little India London? Our Indian in Kensington serves up an array of both British favourites and traditional cuisine from the Indian subcontinent, each made with the finest ingredients. Book your table today and enjoy a taste of India in London.
