What's new in 2026 in London
EXHIBITIONS
We’re going to be honest – it doesn’t feel as much like there’s an obvious headline exhibition in London in 2026. That’s not to take away from the amazing line up, but in recent years we’ve seen some serious hype around exhibitions like Gabrielle Chanel at the V&A or Van Gogh at the National Gallery. However, when compiling this list, we realise just how many brilliant options there are so, we’ve rounded up the exhibitions we think are the ones to see this year;
NOT TO MISS
The Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum (Sept-July)
After 1000 years the tapestries return. Set to be the British Museum's most popular exhibition.
More info HERE
Renoir and Love at the National Gallery
Such a classic and there's nothing that compares to seeing a world famous painting, in the flesh, without the crowds. Goosebump moments.
More info HERE
FOR FASHION LOVERS
Marilyn at the NPG (June-Sept)
To celebrate that Marilyn would've been 100 this year, the exhibition is a deep dive into famous portraits of the icon.
More info HERE
90s at Tate Britain (Oct-Feb)
Maybe it's because we were kids of the 90s but this exhibition seriously appeals.
More info HERE
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at the V&A (March-Nov)
This feels like it'll be as much an art experience as a fashion one. We expect to leave feeling inspired.
More info HERE
FOR THE LOVE OF AN ARTIST
Es Devlin at the Design Museum (Sept – April)
The Design Museum always have great programming. Es Devlin is super cool and her work so inspiring. A very cool venue space for receptions as well.
More info HERE
Lucian Freud, Drawing into Painting, National Portrait Gallery (Feb-May)
Stepping into an era of this master will be fascinating. His style is iconic and his portraits captivating.
More info HERE
EVENT EXPERIENCES
Sometimes beyond an exhibition, we’re asked for ‘experiences’ within galleries, museums and venues and here are some of our current favourites;
Stepping into the artefacts at V&A East – a completely unique experience on the London events scene. Guests can have small group experiences handling artefacts and seeing them up close. As a business you can even select tailored objects which feels very special.
Roof tours at Somerset House and Hampton Court Palace – so fun. For smaller groups so it works well as part of a reception where groups can be taken off. Somerset House especially feels like stepping into Mary Poppins among the rooftops.
Backstage tour at the Royal Opera House – a classic tour which never gets old. Maybe it’s something about stepping behind the scenes and seeing behind the curtain that makes this as popular as ever.
EVENT FORMATS
Some of our most popular formats from 2025, which we think we’ll be seeing again in 2026 have included;
Candlelit dinners – these of course work especially well for the darker months so one to plan ahead for the future. Surrounding a pianist and your guest with candlelight whilst they enjoy an intimate musical performance feels very special.
Unusual table formats – as simple as it sounds, we find that mixing up the floorplan makes a big difference to the guest experience. Gone are the days of a sea of round tables – we now find ourselves designing curved horseshoe tables, continuous snaked designs and mixtures of all shapes within one room.
Chef’s tables and tasting menus – we started these a little while back and they continue to be popular. Chef’s tables for intimate groups are brilliant and then cool, chef lead, tasting menus work so well. Especially high impact if you link them to the surroundings of the venue.
NEW VENUES
We are constantly asked for new venues but the truth is, outside of the bar and restaurant world, venues don’t pop up too often. So it does make it all the more exciting when they do. Some of our favourites for this year are;
V&A East – SUCH a unique venue. We really have never seen anything like this before. You sit for dinner surrounded by thousands of artefacts but in the same evening you can also have a cool cocktail bar/afterparty space and even do a private immersive tour. It’s just really different, and we like different. Yes it’s East London, no it’s not that hard to get to. We highly encourage corporates to at least view this space before dismissing purely based on location as you’ll be missing out.
Somerset House Courtyard – an ever iconic space in the middle of London, the Edmond J. Safra is simply stunning. Which is why it’s very exciting that there’s a summer structure popping up there which can host big dinners and receptions. The visuals we’ve seen so far look great.
Keepers House – this feels like such a cool secret space. Sandwiched between the new and old entrances to the National Gallery is an unassuming door which welcomes you into Keepers House. Art inspired with brilliant, bold furniture and colours, it’s a very cool space. You can hire exclusively for a house party feel. We can’t wait to use it.
Celeste (by Maison Estelle), Notting Hill. Hyper secret members club Maison Estelle have a sister venue in Notting Hill. In line with their ethos, we of course can’t tell you anything about it, other than it’s a very cool space and if you’re looking for an intimate client entertaining option, this is the one.
London Museum – opening in Spitalfields, the new London Museum is going to be seriously impressive. With it’s main space sat under a huge, glass dome, we can already see impressive dinners and receptions here. Opening in 2026, we already know this is going to be a brilliant addition to the UVL world.
If you're looking for an event design, ideas or inspiration, please do get in touch. You can email us HERE or complete our event enquiry form HERE and we'll be in touch.
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