Need a contemporary art fix that the whole family will enjoy? Here is our carefully curated list of the best London art exhibitions for kids. These exhibitions have been handpicked for their relevancy, vibrancy and manageability for families. Perfect for short attention spans and the most critical of mini art fans.
Jason and the Adventure of 254
Jason and the Advenutre 254 is a colourful, larger than life exhibit that children will adore. Spanning just one large room (and a small adjoining area to watch footage of the Artist himself) it is just big enough to keep young attention spans engaged.
The work is a celebration of the Artist’s creative awakening during a time of long term hospitalisation and illness as a child. Despite its worrisome backstory the exhibit brims with joy and optimism, drawing on the importance of family. For that reason the works are fully accessible to families with kids allowed to touch whatever they wish. A real crowd pleaser for both adults and children.
Moco Museum
New to London for Summer 2024, the Moco Museum is a three floor art gallery celebrating contemporary, immersive and digital art right in the heart of Marble Arch and a welcome respite from the shopping Mecca of neighbouring Oxford Street.
The gallery features some big commercial names and giants of the art world including KAWS, Koons and Basquiat as well as usual suspects Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. Young art lovers will be drawn to the instantly recognisable work of Banksy, Warhol and Yayoi Kusama. There is even a Picasso to admire.
The upper floors are light and spacious and filled with fun and colour before the basement draws you into the dark world of digital. here you will find a compelling infinity room and Jake Chapman’s disturbing hybrid child mannequins (some caution for very young children).
Yayoi Kusama – Every Day I pray for love
FREE (Booking Required)
There is certainly lots of hype around this 14th solo exhibition by Yayoi Kusama at the Miro Gallery. So much so that eager art lovers crashed the booking system when tickets were initially released. Booking has resumed and unbelievably you can still snag tickets for October Half Term (Book Now).
Yayoi Kusama is a primary school favourite and most school aged children will be familiar with her colourful dotty pumpkins. EVERY DAY I PRAY FOR LOVE features a new Infinity Mirrored Room and showcases recent paintings and sculptures. Excited yet? We are!
Barbie: The Exhibition
Barbie fan or not, this fun and nostalgic homage to the worlds favourite plastic beauty is sure to sweeten your summer holiday. In this major exhibition you can see over 250 rare and innovative design objects from 1959 – present day. This includes examples of diversification in the range (the worlds first down syndrome Barbie and plus size doll can be seen) and a section dedicated to Ken as well as Barbie’s various homes and vehicles.
If the weather holds up, combine with Peacock watching, Kyoto gardens and an unrivalled adventure playground in nearby Holland Park.
OUTERNET
Outernet London is a relatively new entertainment and cultural district located in the heart of London’s West End. This massive space features a wrap-around LED screen that showcases immersive visual experiences and artwork with multiple screenings per day that are free entry and don’t require you to pre book.
There are various show on offer. Find Out More
Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers
Billed as a ‘once in a century ‘ event , this exhibition celebrates Van Gogh’s 200th Birthday. School age children will revel in seeing their favourite works of art in the flesh – ‘starry Night over the Rhone’, ‘Van Gogh’s Chair’ and ‘Sunflowers’ can all be seen, gathered from around the globe.
Lauren Halsey : Emajendat
In this first ever UK exhibition from LA based artist Lauren Halsey, the gallery will be transformed into an immersive funk garden with a site specific installation inspired by Kensington Gardens. Described as radical and collaborative, Lauren Halsey’s work is fresh and energetic – Emajendat will be a great cultural pitstop for families enjoying Hyde Park. More things to do with Kids around the Serpentine.
Haegue Yang – Leap year
There is rarely an exhibition at the Hayward on London’s South Bank that my children don’t love. This sensory exploration by Haegue Yang is no exception with huge colourful large-scale installations inspired by East Asian traditions, modernism, contemporary art and nature.
Whilst children can’t touch any of the work (and believe me they will want to), the gallery is spacious, accessible and very welcoming to young art lovers.
The World of Tim Burton
UNDER 6’s FREE
It is very likely that your children are already fans of Tim Burton, champion of endearing misfits and the comically grotesque. His films (Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhand, Beetlejuice, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) are firm favourites with my children and this exhibition seeks to draw visitors into his unique aesthetic.
A great and apt choice for October Half Term and Halloween week!
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year
UNDER 4s FREE
Love animals? This Autumn head down to South Kensington to marvel in wonder of the Natural World in this stunning exhibition of the world’s very best wildlife photographers. Accompanied by immersive soundscapes, films and expert insights, this is a captivating exhibition for young visitors who are nature lovers or photography enthusiasts.
Michael Craig-Martin
Adults ยฃ20 | Under 16s FREE
Prepare to be mesmerised by Craig-Martin’s innovative approach to colour, form, and perception in this large exhibition which spans six decades of the influential British artist. Featuring vivid canvases exploring everyday objects as well as recent large scale installations, his ionic works draw on pop art , minimalism and conceptual art. A show with great appeal to artists of all ages.
Mary Mary
FREE| Walk In
For a truly family friendly art outing head to the rooftop of Temple Tube Station on a Sunny day armed with a picnic! Currently showing is Mary Mary – an exciting exhibition of outdoor sculpture by nine female artists set against the backdrop of the River Thames. Artists include Rong Bao, Holly Stevenson and Virginia Overton. Children can feel fully at ease here jumping in and out of the installations. Peaceful and inspiring this is a great pitstop for some respite from the busy streets of central London. Please note there are some stairs to get to the garden and Temple station is also not accessible to buggies/wheelchairs.
Other Family Friendly Art Galleries in London
It’s worth mentioning that London is home to many permanent collections which see a steady foot fall of school visits and art hungry young people throughout the year. The Tate Britain, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and Barbican Centre are worth a mention for their incredible outreach often hosting family-friendly events and activity trails particularly at the weekend and in school holidays. The Dulwich Picture Gallery is also known to host excellent artist-led workshops.
Where to see art in London Museums
London is jam packed with world class museums many of which feature art exhibitions. The Young V&A in Bethnal Green, The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill and of course museum giants – The British Museum and the Science Museum all host frequent temporary exhibitions and dedicated family events with interactive displays.
Read all about London’s Best Museums for Kids that are also completely free of charge.
