London's art scene is vibrant this February 2025, offering a diverse array of exhibitions across both renowned institutions and intimate galleries. Here's a curated selection of must-see shows to enrich your cultural calendar:

1. Noah Davis at Barbican Art Gallery

Location: Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS; Dates: 6 February – 11 May 2025
Experience the largest institutional survey of the late American artist Noah Davis. This exhibition brings together over 50 works, showcasing Davis's unique blend of realism and fantasy that captures the essence of Black life in modern America. His paintings offer a dreamlike yet poignant perspective, reflecting both everyday moments and deeper societal narratives. https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/noah-davis

2. Ai Weiwei: 'A New Chapter' at Lisson Gallery

Location: 27 Bell Street, London NW1 5BY; Dates: 7 February – 15 March 2025
Renowned dissident artist Ai Weiwei presents a provocative exploration of contemporary issues through historical and artistic references. The exhibition features innovative works utilizing materials like Lego, with pieces intriguingly titled 'F.U.C.K.' and 'Go Fuck Yourself,' reflecting Ai's bold commentary on societal norms. https://www.lissongallery.com/exhibitions/ai-weiwei-a-new-chatpter

3. Theaster Gates at White Cube Bermondsey

Location: 144–152 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ; Dates: 7 February – 6 April 2025
Pioneering American artist Theaster Gates returns to London with a new body of work. Known for his community-focused approach, Gates's art encompasses abstraction, ceramics, tar, clay, music, and history, offering a multifaceted exploration of cultural narratives. https://www.whitecube.com/gallery-exhibitions/theaster-gates-bermondsey-2025

4. Mickalene Thomas: 'All About Love' at Hayward Gallery

Location: Southbank Centre, 337-338 Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX; Dates: 11 February – 5 May 2025
American artist Mickalene Thomas transforms the Hayward Gallery into a 1970s domestic setting, showcasing paintings that celebrate Black women in luxuriant home environments. This immersive exhibition is her most ambitious in the UK to date, blending portraiture with themes of identity and representation. https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/mickalene-thomas-all-about-love

5. Leigh Bowery Retrospective at Tate Modern

Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG; Dates: 27 February – 31 August 2025
Tate Modern honors the flamboyant artist Leigh Bowery with a comprehensive retrospective. Known for his extreme transformations and boundary-pushing performances, Bowery became a significant figure in London's nightclub scene and collaborated with artists like Lucian Freud. This exhibition reappraises his work, celebrating his lasting cultural impact. https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/leigh-bowery-retrospective

6. 'Blooming Brilliant: Orchids' at Kew Gardens

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE; Dates: 1 February – 2 March 2025
Escape the winter chill by immersing yourself in Kew Gardens' annual Orchids exhibition. This year, the display celebrates the rich biodiversity of Peru, featuring over 3,000 species of orchids arranged alongside representations of local wildlife and landmarks like Machu Picchu. https://www.kew.org/about-us/press-media/orchids-2025-announcement

7. 'Dickens in Doughty Street: 100 Years of the Charles Dickens Museum'

Location: 48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX; Dates: 5 February – 29 June 2025
Marking a century since its opening to the public, the Charles Dickens Museum presents a special exhibition featuring previously unseen items and some of its greatest treasures. Explore the life and works of one of Britain's most celebrated authors in the very home where he penned classics like "Oliver Twist." https://dickensmuseum.com/blogs/what-s-on/dickens-in-doughty-street-100-years

8. 'Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection' at The Courtauld Gallery

Location: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN; Dates: 14 February – 31 May 2025
Opening on February 14, this exhibition features two of Vincent van Gogh's paintings depicting his time in the hospital at Arles, displayed together in London for the first time. The showcase also includes works by Goya, Géricault, and Courbet, offering a rich journey through art history. https://courtauld.ac.uk/whats-on/goya-to-impressionism/

9. 'Frameless Immersive Art Experience'

Location: 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP; Dates: Ongoing; please check the official website for current availability.
Dive into a multisensory journey through some of the world's greatest artworks at the Frameless Immersive Art Experience. Using state-of-the-art technology, this exhibition allows visitors to stand within and interact with masterpieces in a whole new way. https://www.frameless.com/

This February, London's art scene offers a rich tapestry of exhibitions that cater to diverse tastes. Whether you're drawn to contemporary commentary, historical retrospectives, or immersive experiences, there's something to captivate every art enthusiast.