Special Exhibitions to See: What’s New in UK Museums
Have you heard the latest buzz from the museum scene? If you fancy a day out that’s a little different, there’s a whole heap of special exhibitions popping up across the UK that need your attention. Whether you’re a history aficionado, an art lover, or just really into weird and wonderful things, there’s something special waiting for you. The beauty of these exhibitions? They’re fleeting, sometimes as ephemeral as last week’s leftovers, so you better grab your coat and head out soon!
Let’s kick things off at the legendary British Museum in London, which has recently rolled out an exhibition called Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Civilisation. Now, I’m a bit of a sucker for ancient history, and I’ll admit that I slightly geeked out amidst all those beautifully crafted artifacts. This exhibition explores the birth of writing—imagine that! The Sumerians, they really did create the first written words, and trust me, it wasn’t “Dear John.”
While I was there, I was tickled by a funny little clay tablet that had instructions on brewing beer. It was like a Babylonian brew guide—definitely was hoping it came with a sample! The exhibition runs until January 2024, so you’ve got a bit of time, but don’t delay!
Next, let’s hop over to the Victoria and Albert Museum, affectionately known as the V&A. They’re showcasing Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear. Now, you might think this is where you’ll get tips on how to dress like David Beckham, but it’s so much more than that. It tackles how masculinity has been represented through fashion over the centuries.
Walking through the exhibition was a bit like peeking into a time capsule. One minute you’re admiring an Elizabethan ruff, and the next, you’ve got a jaw-dropping leather jacket from the 80s staring back at you, complete with shoulder pads that would make any American footballer jealous. There’s even a section where you can see contemporary designers doing their thing, and let me tell you, I did a double-take when I spotted a kilt that looked like it had gone wild in a flamingo factory. This exhibit runs until November 2023, but if I were you, I’d bring a selfie stick— you’ll want to document the absolutely outrageous styles on display.
Let’s swing by the National Gallery next, where we can ponder the intersection of art and nature. Keep an eye out for The Sunflowers of Van Gogh exhibition, which dives into the story behind one of the most famous floral paintings. I thought it was merely a bunch of cute blossoms, but turns out there’s a lot of drama behind those petals. Apparently, Van Gogh’s sunflowers were meant to represent the cycle of life. It’s a bit like a botanical soap opera, really!
I wandered through the gallery, sat on a bench, and nearly fell asleep while contemplating my life choices. You know, the usual… big questions like “Why didn’t I order that slice of cake from the café?” That “café” serves the kind of tea that makes you question every life decision. Save yourself the heartache—or at least, the disappointment—by packing your own, especially after I received a cup that could’ve passed for dishwater. Still, the art made up for it (mostly).
Now, if you’re in the mood for something a little bit different, check out the newly opened exhibition at the British Library. They’ve put together an exhibition called The Power of Music. It’s beautifully curated and looks at how music has shaped our culture—and boy, does it get into the nitty-gritty.
You can find handwritten scores from composers like Mozart and a delightfully chaotic interactive section where you can create your own tunes. For someone like me, who is about as musically inclined as a bag of flour, let’s just say it was a heartwarming disaster. The exhibition runs through March 2024, giving you plenty of time to work on your composition skills—or to just mock mine!
Finally, don’t miss out on the Craft Council’s latest show, Crafted Lives, featuring contemporary crafts. This exhibition brings together the best of British artisans, showing off everything from ceramics to textiles. The work is incredible, but what truly struck me was the personal stories behind the pieces.
Talking to one of the artisans, I learnt that their ceramic pots were inspired by their childhood in Cornwall. Suddenly it all clicked—they looked like waves crashing on a rocky shore! It was a heartwarming reminder of how art is born out of personal experience. Plus, I made a new friend who insisted I try their homemade lavender tea, which turned out to be actually really nice! This exhibition is on until May 2024—so even if you miss others, this one’s a keeper.
There you have it, a little exploration of some of the special exhibitions waiting to be experienced. From history to art and everything in between, UK museums are bursting with life and stories to tell. If you fancy a bit of adventure without leaving the country, check these out.
Before you rush off to book your tickets, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What kind of exhibitions get your heart racing? Or do you have a funny museum mishap to share? Let’s swap stories in the comments!
