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Special exhibitions

Hardwick staff admire the 13th Gideon tapestry
View the Gideon Tapestries and other textile masterpieces at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

We host exhibitions at some of the most iconic buildings and outdoor spaces in our care. From showcasing contemporary artwork and sharing our collections, to exploring our histories and celebrating connections with people, discover exhibitions near you.

Exhibitions in the Midlands 

Moving Stories at Birmingham Back to Backs, West Midlands

The Birmingham Back to Backs tell the story of working-class people and housing in Birmingham until the late 1960s, when the houses were deemed unfit for people to live in. This exhibition explores the next chapter of the story, focusing on the lives of people who were rehomed to the tower blocks at Druids Heath in south Birmingham.

Exhibition ongoing 

Pages from Nature at Croome, Worcestershire

Two hundred years ago, Croome's botanic gardener, William Dean, documented more than 6,000 plant varieties from the gardens in his book, Hortus Croomensis. Learn more about the book, the people who influenced the gardens at the time and how their legacy can still be seen at Croome today. 

Open until 2 March 2025

Woven Worlds at Hardwick, Derbyshire

Elizabeth Hardwick, Countess of Shrewsbury, built Hardwick Hall and filled it with treasures to display of her wealth and social position. You can still see her extensive textile collection at Hardwick today, including the Gideon Tapestries – the largest tapestry set to survive in Britain. 

Exhibition ongoing

Two women look at a display of information stands in a room at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Visitors looking at Dyrham Park's latest exhibition | © National Trust Images/Dawn Biggs

Exhibitions in the North

The Botanical World of Mary Delany at Beningbrough, Yorkshire

With just paper, paint and scissors, Mary Delany transformed ordinary materials into extraordinary, inspirational artworks. Discover the pioneering technique of this 18th century artist, whose ‘paper mosaiks’ were celebrated as scientifically accurate botanical specimens. This new photographic display, presented in partnership with the British Museum, also includes objects by historic women artists from across the National Trust's collections, new works by contemporary artists and an interactive origami room.

Open until 23 March 2025

Embodied Cacophony at Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

Contemporary artist and composer Liz Gre explores the spirit of Lindisfarne Castle through this sound and sculptural installation. The sculpture is inspired by the voices of Holy Island and made from weathered raw materials, such as salt, glass, sand and wind.

Exhibition ongoing

Exhibitions in the South West

The World of William Blathwayt at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire

Featuring short videos and interactive displays of collection items, the exhibition sets the scene in the 1690s when leading civil servant William Blathwayt set about rebuilding Dyrham Park. It introduces the transforming local, national and global climate of the period and links historic events and contemporary figures that shaped Blathwayt's world and influenced the place he called home. 

Exhibition ongoing

International Photography Exhibition at Lacock, Wiltshire

See a curated selection of contemporary photoworks from the last three years of the Royal Photographic Society's International Photography Exhibition, the world's longest running photography exhibition. The artworks exhibit a wide range of themes, techniques and aesthetics from 37 different photographers, reflecting how people see and think about things.

Open until 27 April 2025

Exhibitions in Wales

A State Bed restored at Erddig, Wales

Visit the Print Room to see a display of the original 18th century bed hangings from Erddig's State Bedroom, now back after an eight-year restoration. These delicate white silk textiles, embroidered with Chinese figures, pagodas, birds and flowers, were saved by Louisa Yorke after the First World War; her journal will form part of the display alongside fragments of material, including patches of flowers and butterflies found in her workbook.

Exhibition ongoing

Two visitors laughing at each other whilst admiring the Dining Room at Christmas at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

Where will you visit next?

Discover lots of gardens, historic houses, days out at the coast and more.

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A man taking a photo of a wicker deer on the Christmas woodland fairy trail at Gibside, Tyne & Wear

What's on 

We've got plenty of events and activities on at the places in our care. From exhibitions and guided walks to outdoor theatre events, discover what's on near you.

Treasures of Osterley exhibition at Osterley Park and House, London
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Online exhibitions 

Delve into our online exhibitions, where you can see artworks and explore the history of the places and collections in our care from the comfort of your own home.

The Lounge exhibition
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Trust New Art exhibitions and events 

Find out about the Trust New Art exhibitions and events that are happening at places near you, and learn how to join in with future projects.

Two historical garments hanging on mannequins

Art and collections 

The art and heritage collections we care for rival the world’s greatest museums. Learn more about the collection of paintings, decorative art, costume, books, household and other objects at historic places.

Man and woman looking at large historic globe in gallery lined with Greco-Roman statues
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Celebrating 125 treasures in our collections 

Discover the stories behind some of the greatest artworks and artefacts looked after by the National Trust, as told in a dedicated book, 125 Treasures from the Collections of the National Trust.