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Special exhibitions

The interior of George Saunders' tailor's shop at the Birmingham Back-to-Backs, showing a variety of garments on hangers, a desked covered with paperwork, and bright red-painted woodwork.
The interior of George Saunders' tailor's shop at the Birmingham Back-to-Backs | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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 London and the South East

A Persian Paradise: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent

In the 1920s, the world’s interest in Persia’s rich oil assets led to a renewed fascination with Persian art and culture. Explore this new immersive exhibition to learn about the artistic and historical significance of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson's trips to Persia in the 1920s.

Open from 14 October 2023 until 24 March 2024

Exhibitions in the Midlands

George Saunders Reimagined: Back to Backs, Birmingham

In partnership with Birmingham City University, this exhibition explores the story and skill of George Saunders, a master tailor who worked at the Birmingham Back to Backs from 1974–2000. Inspired by his life and work, students have created new garments using his original paper patterns along with digital media and a range of wallpaper designs.

Open until December 2023

The Beatrix Potter mural at Allan Bank
Hideyuki Soubue's Beatrix Potter mural at Allan Bank, Lake District | © Hideyuki Soube

Exhibitions in the North

Fields, folds and farming life: Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

This exhibition explores what it's like to live, grow up and work on a rural farm. It reveals the hard work and determination of the farming community; as they navigate the ever-changing agricultural world to achieve a better farming future for people, the environment, and the local wildlife.

From 9 September 2023 until 17 March 2024

Inspired by Italy: Beningbrough, North Yorkshire

Inspired by Italy brings together the work of Kate Somervell, a black and white photographer based in Yorkshire, and Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an eighteenth-century Italian artist. The exhibition highlights the romance and reality of Italy and the Italian influence on one of Yorkshire’s great houses.

Open from 16 September 2023 until 17 March 2024

A Letter to the Earth from Beatrix: Allan Bank, Lake District

Artist Hideyuki Sobue has created a huge portrait of Beatrix Potter at Allan Bank, the former home of National Trust co-founder Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. These murals – which are alongside a two-storey mural of a giant ash tree ascending the central staircase – were inspired by Beatrix’s longstanding friendship with Rawnsley and their work to conserve the Lake District and grow the National Trust from small beginnings.

Open until 31 Dec 2023

Exhibitions in Northern Ireland

Castlereagh: Life & Legacy: Mount Stewart, County Down

The new exhibition at Mount Stewart is to mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Viscount Castlereagh (1769–1822). It's an introduction to the life of this complex man who lived in extraordinary times and believed he was striving for the greater good. Explore his life and legacy through his family, politics and role as a statesman.

Open until 31 December 2023

Oil Painting on canvas. Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, 2nd Marquess of Londonderry (1769-1822), British (English) School, after Sir Thomas Lawrence, PRA (Bristol 1769, London 1830), 20th century.
Oil Painting on canvas. Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, 2nd Marquess of Londonderry (1769-1822), Mount Stewart, County Down | © National Trust Images

Exhibitions in the South West

2023 exhibitions: Hidcote, Gloucestershire

2023 marks 75 years of Hidcote being cared for by the National Trust. Over this year, Hidcote will be celebrated as a place of inspiration, creativity and solace with a series of exhibitions. Discover more about the exhibitions currently on display, showcasing work by a range of local and international artists.

Open throughout 2023

Light Struck: Lacock, Wiltshire

Photographer and artist Ellen Carey is well known for her work with Polaroid and the 20x24 Studio in New York. Her exhibition of photograms and Polaroids brings a celebration of light, colour and playfulness to the Fox Talbot Museum. She's also created a unique piece designed for Lacock which is directly inspired by Talbot's own photogram, 'A Cascade of Spruce Needles'.

Open until March 2024

The world of William Blathwayt: Dyrham Park, Bath

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

Omnia Vanitas: Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Omnia Vanitas, a 16th-century oil painting, has been moved back to the Saloon at Kingston Lacy for permanent display following years of extensive conservation and technical analysis. It was chosen for treatment following a suggestion that it could be the work of Titian, regarded as the greatest painter of 16th-century Venice. The conservation work was funded by the McGarrick Legacy Fund.

Exhibition ongoing

Two women look at a display of information stands in a room at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Visitors looking at The world of William Blathwayt exhibition at Dyrham Park, Bath | © National Trust Images/Dawn Biggs

Exhibitions in Wales

Exhibitions at Dinefwr, Wales

Explore the refreshed display in the Discovery Room, created by artist Julia Griffiths Jones and designer Heidi Baker, which unpacks the history and range of wildlife and biodiversity at Dinefwr. You can also discover some rare oil paintings in the Landscape Room, which speak of the wealth, status and aspirations of the estate and the family who owned it. There's also the Archaeology of Home exhibition and the Unlocked: 125 Objects from Dinefwr to explore.

Exhibition ongoing

Visitors at the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Where will you visit next?

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

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Family admiring the Christmas decorations in the house at Killerton, Devon

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.

Painting of Saint Agatha, by Carlo Dolci, circa 1665-70 at Osterley Park, 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.

Mark Wallinger and James Lowe, Writ in Water, Runnymede, Surrey
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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.

A group of Delftware urns at Dyrham Park, Bristol and Bath

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.