Britain’s best exhibitions for 2023
My top 10 picks of events through the year
From Chanel to the Rossettis, there’s an event for everyone this year. Here’s my top 10 new exhibitions to put in your diary.
1. Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto, V&A
One for fashion-fans, this is unmissable – the first UK exhibition dedicated to Chanel. This show will chart the history of the brand, from its inception by Gabrielle Coco Chanel to her influence today. I can’t wait. Opening September 16, tickets will be available soon, visit here.
2. Inspiring People, The National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery has been undergoing a major transformation over the past few years and reopens on June 22 with a new entrance, new galleries and a new wing. Inspiring People re-presents its (amazing) collection in a new way and will be well-worth a visit. Book here.
3. The Rossettis, Tate Britain
I adore the Pre-Raphaelite romanticism and so this exhibition is on my radar for April. Tate Britain is showcasing an exhibition of the Rossetti generation – Dante Gabriel, Christina and Elizabeth Siddal – featuring 150 paintings and drawings, photography, design and poetry. Opening April 6 to September, for tickets visit here.
4. Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Natural History Museum
A must for wildlife-lovers – the popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum, features awe-inspiring images and videos. Running now until July 2, for tickets, visit here.
5. Tartan, V&A Dundee
This is a great one – V&A Dundee celebrates its fifth birthday this year with a range of exhibitions, including Tartan, looking at the history of the pattern and fabric. Opening April 1, for tickets, click here.
6. Golden Mummies of Egypt, Manchester Museum
Also reopened this year is Manchester Museum, which has been undergoing a £15 million renovation. The first exhibition is Golden Mummies of Egypt and promises to be absolutely spectacular. On now, for tickets, visit here.
7. Donatello: Sculpting the Renaissance, V&A
Thought to be the greatest sculptor of all time, the V&A has the first major exhibition in Britain celebrating Donatello. It runs until June 11. For tickets, visit here.
8. Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec, Royal Academy of Arts
Everyone knows Degas, Cezanne, Renoir and Van Gogh, but this exhibition looks at all their other work, as well as their paintings. Focussing on their sketches, drawings and watercolours, this exhibition opens November 25. Visit here for tickets.
9. Dr Who Worlds of Wonder, National Museum of Scotland
Get your Tardis ready and travel to Edinburgh for Dr Who Worlds of Wonder. With eight zones of immersive experiences, this fun exhibition is a must for Whovians. On now, until May 1, for tickets, visit here.
10. Crown to Couture, Kensington Palace exhibition
Kensington Palace always hosts excellent exhibitions in its beautiful venue and this year it is a cracker. Crown to Couture, opening April 5, to October, has royal gowns on display from the Royal Collection, alongside red-carpet celebrity looks. For tickets, visit here.