1. A Stunning New Turner Room at Tate Britain
Today, Tate Britain opens a brand-new room dedicated to the watercolours and sketches of JMW Turner, free to visit as part of its permanent display. Highlights include Turner’s earliest surviving work from age 12 and a dramatic painting long thought to depict the Houses of Parliament, now identified as the Tower of London. This new display is informed by decades of research, leading up to the launch of a complete online catalogue of Turner’s 37,500 works on paper this November – a true treasure trove for fans of the great artist.
2. Turner’s Masterpieces Touring the UK and Beyond
Tate is lending more than 100 of Turner’s works to venues across the UK and internationally throughout 2025. Starting today, you can see his watercolours of animals at Turner’s House in Twickenham, admire Waves Breaking on a Lea Shore at Turner Contemporary in Margate, and view a special selection of works on paper at The Whitworth in Manchester. More exhibitions will follow at Harewood House, Petworth House, Preston Park Museum and the Laing Art Gallery – bringing Turner’s legacy closer to home for many across the UK.
3. A Major New Exhibition: Turner and Constable
Opening at Tate Britain on 27 November 2025, Turner and Constable will delve into the rivalry and relationship between these two titans of British landscape painting. With over a century of debate between fans of both artists, this landmark show promises to be one of the highlights of the cultural calendar. Tickets are available now at tate.org.uk.
4. Turner on Screen: BBC Documentary and Tate Kids Video
Turner will also grace our screens in 2025. A brand-new BBC Two documentary, Turner Unseen: The Secret Life of a Radical Genius, will uncover lesser-known aspects of his life and work. Meanwhile, young art lovers can enjoy Becoming an Artist: JMW Turner, a new introductory video launching on Tate Kids and YouTube on 19 May – perfect for inspiring the next generation.
5. A Year of Turner-Focused Scholarship and Events
To cap off the year, an international conference in December will gather scholars to share fresh insights on Turner’s life and legacy. The celebrations also include a striking new video installation, JMW Turner: On The Wing, exploring the artist’s travels across Europe. Running from 30 June 2025 to 31 May 2026, this free installation is set to be another exciting addition to the gallery’s offerings.
With this sweeping celebration, Tate Britain is giving Turner’s 250th birthday the recognition it richly deserves – in the gallery, online, on screens and in museums across the country. For full programme details, visit tate.org.uk/turner-250.