Art of London

Culture Fix: July

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Exhibition

Summer is in full swing, and there's no shortage of reasons to head into London's West End this July. From world-class exhibitions and theatre premieres to Pride celebrations, cultural conversations and al fresco dining, here's our guide to what's on this month.

Event Info

Date & Time

July 01 - July 31
Summer exhibition

RA Summer Exhibition

📍Venue: Royal Academy of Arts

🗓️ Dates: Until 23 August

One of London's most anticipated annual art events returns, showcasing thousands of works by established artists, emerging talent and Royal Academicians. From paintings and sculpture to photography, architecture and printmaking, the Summer Exhibition celebrates creativity in all its forms and offers visitors the chance to discover – and even purchase – original works from a diverse range of artists.

🎟️ Tickets: Various prices | More Information
Take one picture

Take One Picture 2026

📍Venue: National Gallery
🗓️ Dates: Until 31 August
Inspired by Canaletto's celebrated paintings, this free exhibition presents imaginative artworks created by primary school children from across the UK. Through sculpture, painting, textiles, digital media and collaborative installations, young artists respond to a single masterpiece, demonstrating the power of art to inspire creativity, curiosity and storytelling in the classroom.

🎟️ Tickets: Free | More Information

Marilyn

Griselda Pollock and Michael Arnold in Conversation

📍 Venue: National Portrait Gallery
🗓️ Dates: 10 July, 7-8pm
Join renowned art historian Griselda Pollock and Michael Arnold for an insightful discussion exploring the life and work of celebrated photographer Eve Arnold. Focusing on Arnold's iconic images of Marilyn Monroe, the conversation delves into the stories behind the photographs, their cultural significance and Monroe's enduring legacy. Attend in person or online.

🎟️ Tickets: Various prices | More Information

Trainspotting

Trainspotting – The Musical

📍Venue: Theatre Royal Haymarket
🗓️ Date: From 15th July
Irvine Welsh's groundbreaking novel is reimagined as a bold new musical making its world premiere in London's West End. Blending unforgettable music with the raw energy and dark humour of the original story, this exciting new production follows Renton, Begbie, Sick Boy and Spud as they navigate friendship, addiction and survival in 1990s Edinburgh.

🎟️ Tickets: Various prices | More Information

Pride

Pride in London

📍Venue: Green Park, Piccadilly and across Central London
🗓️ Dates: 4 July
Join one of the UK's biggest celebrations of LGBTQIA+ communities as Pride in London fills the capital with colour, creativity and celebration. Beginning near Green Park and making its way through central London, the parade is accompanied by live performances, entertainment and community events.

🎟️ Tickets: Free | More Information

Trans pride

London Trans+ Pride

📍Venue: Starts at Langham Place, passing through Piccadilly
🗓️ Dates: 25th July
London Trans+ Pride returns for another powerful celebration of visibility, solidarity and community. As one of the world's largest Trans+ Pride marches, the event brings together thousands of people to celebrate trans, non-binary and gender-diverse lives while advocating for equality, inclusion and human rights.

🎟️ Tickets: Free | More Information

Waterstones

Waterstones Piccadilly Games Café

📍Venue: Waterstones Piccadilly
🗓️ Dates: 30th July
Whether you're a seasoned strategist or simply looking to try something new, the Waterstones Piccadilly Games Café offers an evening of board games, party games and tabletop favourites in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Meet fellow gamers, discover new titles and enjoy a fun social evening in Europe's largest bookshop.

🎟️ Tickets: £5 | More Information

Francos

Al Fresco Dining Across the West End

📍Venue: London's Best Rooftops & Terraces
🗓️ Date: Throughout July
Make the most of the long summer evenings by dining outdoors in the heart of the West End. From elegant rooftop restaurants with panoramic views to hidden terraces and vibrant street-side dining, there's no better time to explore London's thriving food scene.

More Information

Venues & Places

From world-class art galleries and institutions, to the West End’s best theatres, cinemas, hotels, restaurants and bars, find the venues you’re looking for with our business listings.

All Venues
National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery sits seconds away from Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, London. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856 and houses the world's largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day.

Read more about National Portrait Gallery
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National Gallery

Gallery

The National Gallery is one of London's greatest art museums located in Trafalgar Square, London. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.

Read more about National Gallery
Royal Academy HERO IMAGE

Royal Academy of Arts

Gallery

The Royal Academy of Arts is a world-renowned art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists and offers a place where art is made, exhibited and debated. Enjoy their expanded campus with free displays, new spots to eat, drink and shop, and much more.

Read more about Royal Academy of Arts
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