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!
Suspended States – Yinka Shobinare CBE
Yinka Shobinare CBE is a British artist of Nigerian descent who explores themes of cultural identity and the ‘performance of power’.
Suspended States is a short but visually engaging exhibition that will prove thought provoking for adults whilst entertaining for children. On a basic level it is full of vibrancy and beauty that will captivate both.
Children will particularly love a library of ornately decorated books (The War Library) and a magical room of intricately lit minitature buildings (Sanctuary City). Older children will enjoy identifying the likes of Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria in ‘Decolonised Structures’. More ideas for ‘What to do with Kids in Knightsbridge’
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
RA Young Artists’ Summer Show 2024
For the sixth year running, the Royal Academy will host the Young Artists’ Summer show, a free open submission exhibition for students aged 4-19 studying in the UK.
Children will love the huge variety of work in different mediums on display. Be sure to pick up a free brochure on arrival where you can match the work to the artist and find out their ages. An inspiring summer outing for all young budding artists.
Up in Smoke – John Booth and Mat barnes
FREE/online booking/ walk-ins permitted
This multicoloured vibrant exhibition tells the story of the Greenwich Peninsula through its five iconic chimneys. It’s a great little space to take the kids for a cultural pit stop if you are in the area. There is also a large well stocked crafting area to while away a good half hour.
Combine with a range of activities at the neighbouring O2 or a trip on the Emirates Cable car for panoramic views of the Greenwich Peninsula.
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.
Sueño De La Madrugada – Firelei Báez
Sueño de La Madrugada (A Midnight’s Dream) is a small but magical immersive and sensory exhibit by Firelei Báez exploring themes such as folklore, gender, ecology, power and resistance. It’s a beautiful exhibition with a bit of everything – a huge canopied room of twinkling lights that kids big and small will enjoy and mesmerising ornate ceiling high canvases that you will want to take home with you.
The exhibition spans the main gallery and the fire station gallery just across the road.
Japan: Myths to Manga
A fascinating collection of Japanese artefacts loving curated for children. The exhibit explores how Japanese folklore is at the root of all the things young children love (pokemon, spirited away) and positioned at a height they can read and interact with.
With opportunities to play Taiko drums, learn origami and try their hand at Manga illustration this is a fun and interactive exhibition for children of all ages from Pokemon loving children to gaming obsessed teens. (Read here for more London Gaming Exhibitions)
