5 must-see exhibits at Frieze London 2025

The artwork crowd will congregate in Regent’s Park this week for the twenty third version of Frieze London. While there’s a lot to expertise beneath the duvet of the tents – and within the surrounding sculpture park – that is additionally the time of 12 months when museums host a few of their greatest exhibits. Here are 5 Monocle suggestions for whilst you’re on the town. 

‘Kerry James Marshall: The Histories’, Royal Academy of Arts
Often claimed to be the US’s biggest dwelling painter, Kerry James Marshall had lots to reside as much as along with his largest-ever European retrospective. Thankfully, he delivers with giant daring works that centre black figures and riff on artwork historical past, civil rights and science fiction. Ensure that you’ve loads of time to get misplaced within the work, which is usually poignant, usually humorous, all the time advanced and superbly, initially rendered. There is one thing sudden in each room, loads of which can stick with you lengthy after leaving the Royal Academy. 
‘Kerry James Marshall: The Histories’ runs till 18 January 2026 

‘Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life’, The Courtauld 
Though many individuals will simply have the ability to recall a Wayne Thiebaud portray – of gumball machines, or slices of cake or pie – that is surprisingly his first-ever exhibition within the UK. As effectively as bringing collectively a few of his most recognisable works, the showcase explores Thiebaud’s journey as an artist. Don’t miss “Delights” on the primary flooring, which incorporates 17 etchings and a few endearing masking-tape-bound instruments that provide additional perception into Thiebaud’s observe. Don’t be stunned should you come away from The Courtauld on the hunt in your personal candy deal with. 
‘Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life’ runs till 18 January 2026 

‘Nigerian Modernism’, Tate Modern 
There are greater than 250 works on this formidable new present at Tate Modern, which charts 50 years of Nigerian artwork historical past. Each room is devoted to a distinct artist or motion and the nation’s wealthy cultural heritage rapidly involves the fore as you stroll by them. Well-known artists are featured alongside those that haven’t but had their dues. The multitude of mediums contains sculpture, portray, textiles and beadwork. “There are artists looking at daily life and thinking about their own personal histories, alongside big ideas of nationhood, belonging and community,” Tate assistant curator of worldwide artwork Bilal Akkouche tells Monocle. “The exhibition does a lot and says a lot.”  
‘Nigerian Modernism’ runs till 10 May 2026 

‘Peter Doig: House of Music’, Serpentine South 
A world away from the pin drop quiet of many artwork galleries, Peter Doig’s new present at Serpentine South provides a soundtrack to his work. Gigantic pump out music of the artist’s selecting all through the exhibition rooms. This soundtrack creates a novel viewing expertise and appears to convey out new parts from the colorful work, which characteristic all the pieces from musicians and devices to lions and lakesides. If you are attempting to discover a break from the busyness of Frieze, you’ll do effectively to sit in one of many recliners right here and let the sights and the sounds wash over you.  
‘Peter Doig: House of Music’ runs till 8 February 2026 

‘Zofia Rydet: Sociological Record’, The Photographers’ Gallery 
At the age of 67, the twentieth century photographer Zofia Rydet set herself the duty of documenting “every” kind of Polish family. She roamed cities, cities and the countryside, knocking on doorways and photographing the interiors and inhabitants of these homes. This exhibition brings collectively greater than 100 prints from the venture and opens a novel window into the lives of bizarre individuals at a sure second in time. While you’re at The Photographers’ Gallery, remember to go to Boris Mikhailov: Ukrainian Diary and cease by the small tribute marking 100 years of the photobooth too.  
‘Zofia Rydet: Sociological Record’ runs till 22 February 2026.