4 quirky exhibitions to visit in London in August from Barbie to Coraline

There’s alot going on in the city in August from All Points East at Victoria Park to the second leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium. 

London’s many galleries and museums also appear to have a stacked summer schedule with exhibitions centred around Barbie and even F1 racing.

Best of all many of the displays in the capital are under £20 or free for Londoners to visit which is perfect for those looking for a cheap day out in the city.  

Here’s a few different exhibitions that are available to visit this month.

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The Barbie exhibition at The Design Museum

Londoners will be able to step into Barbie Land as they explore the world of one of the most famous dolls in history. From iconic figures to dream houses there’s over 250 themed memorabilia on display.

Where: 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG

Nearest Tube station: High Street Kensington

Do I need a ticket?: Yes, it is a ticketed exhibition. Adult tickets are £14.38, passes for Children aged 6 to 15 are £7.19 while Concession/Student tickets are £10.77. Under 6s go free

More information including how to book a visit is available on The Design Museum website.

F1 exhibition at London’s ExCeL

Showcasing the past, present and future of Formula 1 some of the motorsport’s greatest teams and drivers have contributed items for the display. The exhibition will open on August 23.

Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL

Nearest Tube station: Custom House

Do I need a ticket?: Yes, it is a ticketed exhibition. Prices start from £14 per child (5-16 years), £25 per adult (17+).

More information including how to book a visit is available on The F1 exhibition website.

Coraline exhibition at BFI Southbank

The Laika Frame x Frame exhibition will showcase character puppets and recognisable sets from the studio’s five current films including the beloved dark fantasy Coraline.

Where: Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XT

Nearest Tube station: Waterloo

Do I need a ticket?: The exhibition is a free display although Coraline fans will need to book a time slot ticket to visit the display.

More information including how to book a visit is available on BFI Southbank’s website. 

Taylor Swift exhibition at the V&A Museum

The Taylor Swift Songbook Trail is open for fans in the capital to visit at the Victoria and Albert museum in South Kensington and showcases some of the star’s most memorable outfits from across her music career so far across the spot’s permanent collection.

Where: Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

Nearest Tube station: South Kensington

Do I need a ticket?: No. Admission into the Songbook trail is free meaning no tickets or booking is required to enter. 

More information is available on the V&A website.

The Flooded Garden at The Tate Modern

Londoners will be able to pick up a paintbrush themselves at the Tate Modern in its Turbine Hall as part of an interactive exhibition at the space. 

Where: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

Nearest Tube station: Southwark

Do I need a ticket?: No 

More information is available on the Tate Modern website.