As the warmth of late summer continues, cultural institutions worldwide are offering a compelling array of exhibitions that promise to engage, inspire, and educate. From the intricate narratives woven by contemporary artists to deep dives into historical traditions and the evolving landscape of fashion, this season presents a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Several trending exhibitions are capturing significant attention, providing excellent reasons to visit museums in key cultural hubs like London, New York, and Los Angeles. This guide highlights five must-see shows that offer diverse perspectives and artistic mastery, ensuring a memorable late summer cultural calendar.
Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur at The Wallace Collection, London
British artist Grayson Perry brings his characteristic wit and distinctive aesthetic to The Wallace Collection in London with “Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur.” This exhibition, running until October 26, 2025, is the largest contemporary exhibition ever staged at the museum. Perry, known for his intricate ceramics, tapestries, and provocative commentary, has created over 40 new works specifically in response to the museum’s historic masterpieces. He adopts a fictional persona, Shirley Smith, who believes she is the rightful heir to the collection, allowing Perry to playfully engage with themes of fashion, home, safety, and the perceived dichotomy between masculinity and femininity. Visitors can expect to see not only Perry’s signature colourful creations, including works featuring wallpaper, ornate furniture, and even pieces inspired by armour and weaponry, but also a thoughtful dialogue between his contemporary art and the classical works that have shaped his vision. The exhibition invites contemplation on authenticity, the nature of collecting, and the transformative power of art itself.
Do Ho Suh: Walk The House at Tate Modern, London
For those drawn to immersive and socially resonant art, Tate Modern’s “The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh: Walk The House” is a standout. Open until October 26, 2025, this major survey showcases the work of Korean artist Do Ho Suh, renowned for his ethereal fabric installations that explore themes of home, memory, and identity. The exhibition famously features a ‘multi-coloured passageway,’ a translucent fabric structure that has gained significant traction on social media. Each section meticulously recreates architectural details from homes Suh has lived in across Seoul, New York, and London, transforming the physical spaces of his past into a deeply personal and psychological journey. These structures, crafted using traditional Korean fabric techniques and modern materials, serve as poignant reflections on belonging and the ways we carry our histories with us. Suh’s work encourages visitors to question the concept of “home” as a place, a feeling, or an idea, making this an engaging and thought-provoking experience.
Ancient India: Living Traditions at The British Museum, London
Delving into the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, “Ancient India: Living Traditions” at The British Museum offers a profound exploration of the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Running until October 19, 2025, this exhibition is a world-first, considering early Indian sacred art from a global, pluralistic perspective. It traces the transformation of religious imagery over more than two millennia, from ancient nature spirits and divine serpents to the familiar human forms of deities and enlightened teachers that represent these faiths today. Featuring over 180 objects, including ancient sculptures, vibrant paintings, and manuscripts, the exhibition highlights the cross-cultural spread of these traditions across the Indian Ocean and along the Silk Roads. Developed with an advisory panel of practicing Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, the show provides a multi-sensory journey that connects ancient practices with contemporary daily life, underscoring the enduring influence of India’s sacred art on nearly two billion people worldwide.
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
In the realm of fashion, The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an exhibition that offers a comprehensive cultural and historical examination of Black style through the concept of dandyism. On view until October 26, 2025, the exhibition, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s seminal book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity,” explores how sartorial choices have been instrumental in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora. The show features historical garments and accessories alongside contemporary pieces from acclaimed Black designers, illustrating dandyism not just as an aesthetic, but as a strategy for resistance and self-definition. Through its diverse presentation of clothing, paintings, photographs, and films, “Superfine” delves into characteristics such as respectability, heritage, and cosmopolitanism, highlighting how style can be a powerful tool for navigating societal structures influenced by race, gender, and class.
Made in L.A. 2025 at the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles
For a vibrant snapshot of contemporary artistic practice within one of the world’s most dynamic cultural landscapes, the Hammer Museum presents “Made in L.A. 2025.” This seventh iteration of the museum’s signature biennial, running from October 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026, showcases the diverse talents of artists working throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Organized by curators Essence Harden and Paulina Pobocha, the exhibition features 28 participants whose works span film, painting, theatre, choreography, photography, sculpture, sound, and video. The unifying thread across these varied practices is an inquiry into the artists’ relationship with the complex and multifaceted terrain of Los Angeles. The biennial celebrates the city’s unique character and its artists’ resilience, offering a critical look at the evolving artistic dialogues and the cultural narratives that shape this influential region. It serves as a vital platform for both established and emerging artists, reflecting the latest news and trends in the local art scene.
