Rocket’s Guide to the Best Exhibitions this Autumn and Winter
As the days grow shorter and autumn colours sweep through the city, London’s galleries and museums open their doors to a new season of exhibitions. It’s a time when the city feels alive with creativity, offering fresh perspectives and inspiring spaces to gather and connect. At Rocket, we embrace this spirit of artistry and celebration, curating unforgettable events set against the backdrop of world-class cultural experiences.
Whether you’re hosting a private event or simply exploring London’s ever-evolving art scene, these are the exhibitions you won’t want to miss. Our team has shared their insight on how to pair these venues with events we’d love to create for you.
If you’re looking to plan an event inspired by any of these exhibitions, contact us at parties@rocketfood.com for a bespoke brochure with tailored menu ideas and creative inspiration.
Theatre Picasso at Tate Modern
17 September 2025 – 12 April 2026
Marking 100 years of The Three Dancers, this exhibition turns the gallery into a theatrical space, showcasing over 45 works from Tate’s collection and key European loans. With paintings, sculpture, textiles, and works on paper – some debuting in the UK – it explores Picasso’s fascination with performers on and off stage.
“For this event, we’re envisioning a modern, abstract aesthetic with bold shapes and vibrant pops of colour to capture the energy of Picasso’s work. A Spanish jamón station with sherry and tasting counters styled in Picasso’s palette will create a lively, immersive experience.” – Holly Cruz, Head of Events at Rocket Food
Discover more here.
Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life at The Courtauld Gallery
10 October 2025 – 18 January 2026
Celebrated as one of the most original American artists of the 20th century, Wayne Thiebaud is the focus of a landmark exhibition featuring rarely lent works from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His vibrant depictions of cakes, deli counters, and gumball machines transform the everyday into something extraordinary, offering a joyful escape this winter.
We’re proud to continue our partnership with The Courtauld Gallery, recently renewed through our reaccreditation, and to support events alongside this exciting programme.
Find out more here.
Wes Anderson: The Archives at Design Museum
21 November 2025 – 4 May 2026
The Design Museum presents over 600 objects from Wes Anderson’s personal archives, tracing three decades of his distinctive style – from early experiments to films like The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, and Asteroid City.
For events, picture elegant canapés on vintage trays, desserts styled as whimsical travel trunks, and staff evoking the charm of The Grand Budapest Hotel – where every detail feels as cinematic as the exhibition itself.
Find out more here.
Marie Antoinette Style at Victoria and Albert Museum
Opens 20 September 2025
This exhibition explores Marie Antoinette’s lasting influence on design, fashion, film, and art, with garments, jewellery, and decorative pieces that capture the opulence of her world.
“We’re envisioning an event with pastel tones, macarons, and champagne in elegant coupes. Staff in ribbon bows and crisp white jackets will add playful sophistication, while desserts—from tiny orchid-inspired sweets to decadent showpieces—celebrate indulgence and excess.” – Holly Cruz, Head of Events at Rocket Food
Find out more here.
Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists at National Gallery
13 September 2025 – 8 February 2026
This exhibition celebrates Neo-Impressionism, the movement that transformed colour and light in painting. Featuring works by Seurat, Signac, Boch, Toorop, and Cross, it highlights how these artists pushed boundaries through pointillism and bold new ideas. Many pieces come from Helene Kröller-Müller, one of the first great women art patrons, whose vision shaped the leading collection of Neo-Impressionist works.
For events, our seasonal menu reflects this vibrancy with heirloom carrots and brassicas, roasted roe deer loin, and a delicate tangerine dessert – culinary harmony of colour and flavour enjoyed as part of an intimate dinner in the National Gallery.
Find out more here.
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2025 at National Portrait Gallery
13 November 2025 – 8 February 2026
A highlight of London’s cultural calendar, this annual exhibition showcases the best in contemporary portrait photography, from formal commissions to intimate, spontaneous moments by emerging and established artists alike.
For events, think canapés on Polaroid-style trays, mirrored food stalls, and silver photo frames—subtle touches that echo the exhibition’s striking visuals and create a memorable guest experience.
Find out more here.
Kerry James Marshall: The Histories at Royal Academy
20 September 2025 – 18 January 2026
The Royal Academy presents the largest exhibition of Kerry James Marshall’s work outside the US. Known for centring Black life in his practice, Marshall blends art history, memory, and cultural references to challenge dominant narratives and reimagine history painting.
For events, food stalls inspired by the African diaspora invite guests to discover bold flavours and stories as they move through the space – honouring heritage, creativity, and connection.
Discover more here.
Turner and Constable at Tate Britain
27 November 2025 – 12 April 2026
Marking 250 years since their births, this exhibition explores the legacies of J.M.W. Turner and John Constable – two artists who reshaped British landscape painting. Rarely seen works, sketchbooks, and personal items bring their rivalry and influence to life.
For events, guests can enjoy a private curator-led viewing followed by a seasonal dinner inspired by the landscapes on display, with each course introduced through a story tied to a specific artwork.
Discover more here.
Foundling Voices at Foundling Museum
24 September 2024 – 30 March 2025
This moving exhibition shares the personal stories of children raised in the Foundling Hospital, one of the UK’s most significant historic institutions. Recordings from 2009–2011 let former residents reflect on childhoods shaped by a long-standing system of care.
Presented with portraits and archival material, these testimonies explore resilience, care, and belonging – a powerful reminder of compassion and community, past and present.
Find out more here.
Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies at National Army Museum
16 September 2025 – 13 April 2026
Eighty years on, this exhibition highlights the ‘forgotten’ armies of the Burma Campaign, a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter of World War II. Rarely seen objects – weapons, uniforms, and medals – alongside first-hand accounts reveal the realities of jungle warfare and the innovations developed to meet its challenges.
By exploring the experiences of British, Indian, Burmese, and African troops, the exhibition honours their resilience and sacrifice while reflecting on the campaign’s lasting legacy.
Discover more here.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum
17 October 2025 - 12 July 2026
Now in its 61st year, this acclaimed exhibition presents the top 100 images from the world’s largest nature photography competition, chosen from over 60,000 entries. Stunning and emotive, the photographs capture the beauty, drama, and urgent stories of the natural world.
Host unforgettable events beneath the iconic blue whale or throughout the museum’s grand galleries – from private viewings and elegant dinners to large-scale parties with canapés, bowl food and a variety of food stalls. Every gathering becomes an immersive celebration of nature, art, and storytelling.
Find out more here.
London’s cultural scene comes alive during the colder months, offering countless opportunities to be inspired. Whether you’re attending an exhibition with friends, planning a private view, or hosting an unforgettable celebration, we can help bring your vision to life.
At Rocket, we work with a variety of museums and galleries that provide a spectacular backdrop for dinners, parties, and events, offering the unique opportunity to include private views of these exhibitions. To find out more, please email parties@rocketfood.com or call 020 7622 2320.