Leighton House Museum Celebrates 100 Years with Major Exhibition Programme
Nestled within the residential stone facades of Kensington, the unassuming yet magnificent Leighton House Museum is preparing to commemorate a remarkable milestone. In 2026, this cherished west London institution will celebrate its centenary with a blockbuster year of exhibitions and events that delve into its rich history and artistic significance.
From Artist's Home to Public Museum
Originally the residence of the esteemed Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton, the building at 2 Holland Park Road has undergone several transformations throughout its long history. Following a period in the 19th century when it served as a children's library, the property officially opened its doors as a public museum in 1926. Now, a century later, Leighton House continues to captivate visitors with its explosion of colour and international influences, standing as a testament to careful conservation and architectural brilliance.
The museum's evolution from a relatively modest palazzo-inspired dwelling to its current splendour is particularly evident in two significant additions: the breathtaking Arab Hall and the elegant Silk Room. The Arab Hall, widely regarded as a masterpiece in its own right, showcases intricate designs inspired by Lord Leighton's travels, while the Silk Room was specifically created to house artworks by his contemporaries.
A Centenary Celebration Programme
The museum's centenary celebrations commenced early, with a triple-threat exhibition series running until March 1st. Leighton House: A Journey Through 100 Years offers visitors a comprehensive look at the building's transformation through photographs and rarely-seen objects, tracing its history from private residence to public institution.
Ghost Objects: Summoning Leighton's Lost Collection pays homage to the home's artistic origins by presenting paper replicas of original objects that once graced its rooms. Adding contemporary glamour to the historic venue, illustrator Annemarieke Kloosterhof – known for her work on the television series Bridgerton – contributes her distinctive artistic vision to the celebrations.
Completing the winter programme is The View from Here, a collaborative exhibition with Durham University's Oriental Museum that transports visitors to the Middle East and North Africa. Contemporary artists respond to themes of migration and identity, directly connecting to the inspiration behind Leighton House's magnificent Arab Hall.
Spring and Autumn Highlights
As spring approaches, the museum will welcome a new set of exhibitions, beginning with The Arab Hall: Past and Present, running from March 21st to October 4th. This dedicated exhibition will feature contemporary commissions, a special publication, and an accompanying film, exploring the hall's significance and Lord Leighton's travels to Turkey, Egypt, and Syria – particularly his influential trip to Damascus that inspired the hall's exquisite tiling.
The celebratory programme concludes with Magic and Mess: The Artist's Studio Revealed, opening on October 31st and running through to March 21st, 2027. This exhibition returns to Leighton House's fundamental origins as an artist's studio, examining creative spaces through works by renowned artists including Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Henri Matisse, and Paul Cézanne.
Beyond the Exhibitions
Throughout its centenary year, Leighton House will offer visitors numerous opportunities to engage with art and creativity beyond the exhibition spaces. The museum will host life drawing classes and musical recitals in collaboration with the Kensington and Chelsea Music Association, ensuring there's something for every cultural enthusiast.
This comprehensive celebration programme demonstrates how this small-but-mighty museum continues to punch well above its weight, offering Londoners and visitors alike a unique cultural experience that bridges Victorian grandeur with contemporary artistic practice.
