Quentin Blake, Centre for Illustration
Housed in a restored 18th-century building in Clerkenwell, London, and scheduled to open its doors in spring 2026 is the world’s largest space dedicated to illustration. Founded by Quentin Blake (and housing 40,000 of his works), this vibrant cultural centre will include a library, gardens and three temporary exhibitions. The venue will also host residencies, talks and workshops, placing a firm focus on visual storytelling in all its glorious diversity. In the words of Blake himself, the new space represents ‘An international centre for the display, discussion and celebration of the extraordinary wealth of illustration.’ qbcentre.org.uk
Vanbrugh300
Running throughout 2026 and taking over six country houses across the UK, Vanbrugh300 marks the tercentenary year of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1726), one of the great Restoration dramatists and an innovative proponent of bold and daring architectural designs. This ‘Rockstar of the English Baroque’ will be honoured via an array of events taking place at six of the architect’s most significant creations: Castle Howard, Blenheim Palace, Seaton Delaval Hall, Grimsthorpe Castle, Kimbolton Castle and Stowe House. The festival will include exhibitions, schools’ programmes, community activities, lectures and much more. georgiangroup.org.uk
London Museum
Smithfield is the lively setting for the eagerly-awaited new London Museum, which will open its permanent galleries in the district’s restored Victorian General Market in 2026. The nearby 1960s Poultry Market will be home to the museum’s temporary exhibitions, collection stores and learning centre, and is scheduled to open in 2028. Designated as a space for learning, exploration and adventure, the new London Museum will showcase a diverse collection. More than 70,000 Londoners have been engaged in the creation of the museum to date, helping shape the multitude of ideas behind the project. londonmuseum.org.uk/smithfield
Paisley Museum
In Renfrewshire, exciting developments are in progress, transforming Paisley Museum into a world-class highlight of the town’s cultural scene. The reimagined museum and campus will share Paisley’s untold stories within a radically renovated new space, and will include a new heritage archive centre, digitally immersive interactive experiences and a weaving studio to showcase Paisley’s famous textile industry. There will even be a new wing to house the Coats Observatory, placing a focus on Paisley’s historic links to astronomy, as well as offering public viewing nights for visitors to stargaze. reimagined.paisleymuseum.org
V&A East Museum
Hot on the heels of the new V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick comes the latest iteration of the iconic V&A family. V&A East Museum is scheduled to open its doors in spring 2026 in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; its statement architecture already a boldly recognisable feature of the neighbourhood. Featuring galleries, exhibitions and events that spotlight the people, ideas and creativity shaping global culture right now, this new hub in the capital aims to become an inspiring place to meet and find fresh ideas and inspiration. As such, it’s set to provide a perfect companion to its sister galleries. vam.ac.uk/east
The Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre’s 2026 season celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Royal Festival Hall with an exhilarating year of events. Festivities to mark its birthday include a landmark exhibition from Anish Kapoor at the Hayward Gallery, an immersive mixed reality experience from pianist Yuga Wang, and ‘You Are Here’ – a spectacular takeover of The Southbank Centre designed by Danny Boyle, Gareth Pugh, Carson McColl and Paulette Randall. There will also be a national programme of art, literature and music, aiming to reach 1 million people in more than 40 towns and cities across the UK. southbankcentre.co.uk
