Five must-see London exhibitions in May 2017

From Giacometti to Pink Floyd, some of the biggest exhibitions of the year are opening in London in May. Work by a Japanese master draughtsman jostles alongside classic scenes by Canaletto and industrial works by great American sculptors. Discover our top picks below.

Found in America at Waddington Custot Galleries

Opening this month is an exhibition of sculpture by three 20^th-century American greats: John Chamberlain, Dan Flavin and Robert Indiana. The show draws out parallels between their practices through the figure of the found object and references to American industry.

Found in America is at Waddington Custot Galleries from 5^th May until 1^st July 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

Giacometti at Tate Modern

This show has been a long time coming; it’s the first major retrospective dedicated to Alberto Giacometti in 20 years. As well as his iconic bronze sculptures, the showcase will also display some of his intriguing drawings, paintings and works in plaster, which are less often exhibited. Unmissable.

Giacometti is at Tate Modern from 10^th May until 10^th September 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains at the V&A

This month, the V&A is staging the first international retrospective of one of the world’s most iconic and influential bands, Pink Floyd. Expect a lively audio accompaniment and everything from album art to costumes and stage sets. Guaranteed to draw in the crowds.

The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains is at the V&A from 13^th May until 1^st October 2017, for further information or to book visit here. 

Canaletto and the Art of Venice at The Queen’s Gallery

The Royal Collection holds some of the best examples of work by Canaletto, famous for his architecturally perfect scenes of Venice. This exhibition delves into some of the artist’s most accomplished work, shown alongside important pieces by some of his contemporaries.

Canaletto and the Art of Venice is at The Queen’s Gallery from 19^th May until 12^th November 2017, for further information or to book visit here.

Hokusai: Beyond the Great Wave at the British Museum

Hokusai is one of the most famous artists to come out of Japan and his “great wave” can be found on everything from mugs to tea towels. Fun fact: it’s also the only art work to have its own emoji. This exhibition at the British Museum promises a closer look at the great master’s work.

Hokusai: Beyond the Great Wave is at the British Museum from 25^th May until 13^th August, for further information or to book visit here.

Anna Souter