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.
Cute
A sure hit with children of all ages, Cute has descended on Somerset House offering an exploration of the ‘irresistible force of cuteness in Contemporary culture’. The exhibition is lavishly flamboyant featuring a decadent Hello Kitty disco room, cases of plushies, nostalgic toys and arcade games. Even the lifts have been lined in pastel fur.
Older children and adults will enjoy the analytical perspective and exploration of this phenomenon, unpacking its emotional pull and subliminal messages. Meanwhile younger children will revel in the colour and sensory delight although some may find it hard not to touch!
Expect a playful plush paradise and plastic poppycock galore with a side of thoughtful commentary. More Info Here
When Forms Come Alive
When Forms Come Alive is a playful, sensory and captivating curation of works inspired by ‘movement , flux and organic growth’. Undulating and oozing, these abstract forms are presented as the ‘restless’ sculptures of the last 60 years. This is a surreal and wacky exhibition which is sure to get little tongues wagging and tiny imaginations captured.
Children will love EJ Hill’s pink neon rollercoaster and Tara Donovan’s black molecular monster, reminiscent of a Marvel Simbiote.
There’s alot happening over at Southbank this February. The Children’s Imagine festival will see hundreds of families descend on this part of the river in pursuit of Kids theatre and workshops. When Forms Come alive offers just another incentive to head riverside. More Info Here
REFIK ANADOL- Echoes of Earth: Living Archive
AI is popping up everywhere these days, so it’s no shocker that it is now permeating the Visual Arts scene. In this pioneering collaborative endeavour with AI, Refik Anadol, artist and technologist, presents a thrilling and educational collection of work.
Inspired by the natural world, Echoes of Earth: Living Archive is a years long experimentation with visual data of coral reefs and rainforests. Expect large scale multi-sensory and immersive works that will wow children of all ages. In addition older kids will revel in the ingenuity of Anadol’s process and his exciting new ways to create art. Find out More
Skateboard
The Design Museum presents the first major Uk exhibition mapping the design of the skateboard. If you have a stussy wearing, skateboard carrying tween or teen this may be a rare half term family activity worthy of their approval.
The exhibition even features a half pipe and offers skateboarders the unique opportunity to essentially exhibit their skills and become part of the display. Free slots must be booked in advanced if you plan to make this part of your visit. Find out more
ANDY WARHOL : Behind The Brand
Pop Art is a firm favourite on the Primary School curriculum and for good reason. Easily accessible, with bold simple designs, vivd colours and familiar relatable subject matter – it makes for an ideal introduction into the world of visual art. Everyday objects and symbols – the apple logo, Mickey mouse the late Queen – feel tangible and familiar and kids will love pointing out the images they recognise.
This Free exhibition at The Halcyon Gallery Mayfair, showcases a selection of Warhol’s Iconic vibrant silkscreens. Families will no doubt be drawn to the downstairs space. Here you will find Keith Haring’s Immersive room, a collaborative homage from the two who shared a fascination with Walt Disney. Find out More
YAYOI KUSAMA’s Infinity rooms
The Tate modern presents the vibrant world of Yayoi Kusama, an artist who captivates children with her playful and rebellious spirit. Her love for polka dots and pumpkins explodes with colour and energy, making her work instantly recognizable and wildly popular in primary schools. With a recent surge of interest, there’s a good chance your child already knows and loves her unique style.
The exhibition is small comprising of two immersive rooms which you may need to queue for (especially in school holidays). If your child loves Kusama this is well worth paying to see in conjunction with the free permanent collection and holiday special events at the Tate. Find out More
OUTERNET – Forsaken, The Butterfly Trail
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 multiple short films on offer. Forsaken is a short film about our planet’s life cycle and species’ extinction with stunning digital visuals of jellyfish and sea life. Alternatively butterfly fans will find themselves in a flutter over the magical Butterfly trail. Find Out More
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
If you happen to be visiting the museums this half term (the Science Museum, NHM and Victoria and Albert museum are all within minutes of each other in South Kensington) it is definitely worth popping in to catch ‘the Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ exhibition.
The exhibit showcases the beauty and diversity of wildlife from around the globe from majestic elephants to tiny insects. Embark on an educational and awe-inspiring experience that will inspire your children’s imagination and deepen their connection to the wonders of our planet. Find out More
Click for more things to see at the Natural History Museum
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London
Yoko Ono’s ‘Music Of The Mind’
Yoko Ono’s Music of the Mind is a fun and interactive offering of work which intends to stimulate the imagination. The artist and activist’s ongoing campaign for world peace underpins this exhibition making for a calm experience with surprises at every turn – perfect for young art lovers.
The first couple of rooms are rather serious but don’t worry there is lots here to keep a family entertained. Highlights include hanging your wishes to the Wish trees, climbing into cloth bags and creating your own performance art, having a giggle at the infamously banned bottoms projection, playing chess on one of the many chess boards, scribbling on the walls and adding to the wall of love letters to our mothers.