When I sat down to write my now annual post about what historical exhibitions to see in the year ahead, I thought the outlook for museums would be a bit brighter. Despite a tough 2021, there are some amazing new exhibitions in 2022 to look forward to – but they come with the now customary Covid caveat.
As we have all learnt by now, Covid-19 restrictions can change at a moments notice so I highly recommend double checking dates on exhibitions in 2022 before you book tickets or travel. As I write this post, the information is as accurate and up-to-date as it can be – but this is likely to change. I cannot emphasise this enough, but use this blog post as a guide and double check websites for up-to-date info.
So, once everything is safe, these are the 12 exhibitions I will be looking to visit in 2022.
Beibl i Bawb (A Bible For All) – The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth – On now until Saturday 2nd April 2022
When researching this post, the exhibition calendar in Wales looks relatively bare for 2022 so far – but this little gem caught my eye!
The translation of the Bible into Welsh is often credited as a key factor in the survival of the Welsh language. This exhibition celebrates the four hundredth anniversary of the publication of the 1620 Bible, the standard text of the Bible in Welsh for nearly 400 years. It also offers a unique opportunity to see a number of items closely associated with Mary Jones, the Welsh girl who inspired the founding of the British and Foreign Bible Society, brought together for the first time ever.
Free to visit. No pre-booking required.
Fabergé In London: Romance and Revolution – The V&A, London – On now until Sunday 8th May 2022
This exhibition explores master goldsmith, Carl Fabergé – the man behind the internationally recognised firm symbolising Russian craftsmanship, luxury and elegance – and the Anglo-Russian relationship which saw the opening of a London branch in 1903 – the only branch of Faberge outside of Russia.
Yes there will be lots of the famous Faberge eggs to see (including several which are being shown in the UK for the first time ever) but with over 200 items on display its about more than just the jewellery!
Tickets are £18 per person and can be booked now.
The World of Stonehenge – The British Museum – 17th February to 17th July 2022
Stonehenge is such a famous and mysterious ancient site, I imagine this particular exhibition is going to be very popular! Dare I say that this could be the hot ticket event of the year?
Surprisingly, this is the first ever major exhibition on Stonehenge. It will feature over 430 objects, including some that have never been to Britain before. These will include the Nebra Sky Disc – the world’s oldest surviving map of the stars. The centrepiece of the exhibition will be the 4000 year old timber monument Seahenge – simply mind blowing!
Tickets are £18 per person and can be booked now.
Surrealism Beyond Borders – Tate Modern, London – 24th February to 29th August 2022
Touted as a ground breaking exhibition, Surrealism Beyond Borders reveals the broad scope of this artistic movement, spanning 80 years and 50 countries to show how surrealism inspired and united artists around the globe.
Transferring to the Tate Modern from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, expect Dali and Magritte – but also a whole raft of international artists!
Ticket information yet to be announced.
Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear – The V&A, London – 19th March to 16th November 2022
It wouldn’t be a list from the Hisdoryan blog if I didn’t include a fashion history exhibition somewhere!
As well as looking at how men’s fashion has changed over the centuries and how designers have crafted masculinity, the exhibition will also consider how modern designers have ‘unpicked it at the seams’ and used creativity to challenge gender norms when it comes to fashion.
Opening in March 2022, the exhibition promises 100 looks and 100 artworks spread thematically across three gallery spaces in ‘a journey across time and gender’.
Tickets are £20 per person and can be booked now.
Raphael – The National Gallery, London – 9th April – 31st July 2022
Originally scheduled for October 2020, in the year that marked the 500th anniversary of Raphael’s death, this exhibition will be the first to explore the complete career of this giant of the Italian Renaissance.
Known primarily for his legendary art, the exhibition will also tell the life of Raphael the architect, the designer, the poet and the archaeologist. Can you believe he died at the young age of 37?
Ticket information yet to be announced.
Feminine Power – The British Museum, London – 19th May to 25th September 2022
So fresh that the exhibition title is yet to be confirmed, I am personally very excited about this 2022 exhibition at The British Museum.
This exhibition will bring together ancient sculpture, sacred objects and contemporary art from five continents to explore the diversity of ways in which femininity has been perceived across the globe, from the ancient world to today.
In a world where discussions about gender and women in society are more important than ever, if done right this exhibition has the potential to capture the zeitgeist.
Ticket information yet to be annouced.
Anatomy: A Matter Of Death and Life – National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh – 1st July to 30th October 2022
Anyone with even the slightest knowledge of Edinburgh’s history will be aware of its history as an international centre for medical study – and the stories of body snatchers like Burke and Hare that accompanied it! This exhibition all about the history of anatomical study really is the perfect for this Scottish institution.
Covering 500 years of medical exploration, Anatomy opens with early examples of anatomical art. These include sketches by Leonardo da Vinci, lent by the Queen from the Royal Collection. But the artefacts I’m most excited to see? The mysterious Arthur’s Seats miniature coffins.
Ticket information yet to be announced.
Remember – given the pandemic, its essential to double check dates on the exhibitions.
Which one of these exhibitions are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below.