Unmissable Art in January 2026 at the National Gallery: Neo-Impressionists, Renaissance Journeys & Ming Wong
Kick off 2026 at the National Gallery with Neo-Impressionist brilliance, a contemporary film installation, and a journey through Renaissance Italy.
January at the National Gallery offers a rich start to the year for art lovers. The month combines landmark exhibitions, contemporary interpretations, and insightful talks and courses.
Radical Harmony: Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists continues until 8 February. This major exhibition brings together works from Seurat to Van Gogh, highlighting the revolutionary approaches of Neo-Impressionist artists. Celebrated for its vibrant colour and radical technique, it has been described by The Guardian as “bright, bold, joyous.” Visitors can explore the harmony, innovation, and experimentation that defined this transformative movement in European art.
Opening on 15 January, the Gallery’s Artist in Residence Ming Wong presents a new short film and installation inspired by the story of Saint Sebastian. Wong’s work offers a contemporary lens on themes of martyrdom and resilience, bringing fresh perspectives to the National Gallery’s historic collection.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the City by City course with art historian Jo Walton begins on 12 January. Participants journey through six Renaissance Italian city-states, from Florence to Venice to Urbino, uncovering how these cultural hubs shaped one of the most influential periods in European art. Each session offers expert insights into the social, political, and artistic forces that inspired some of the era’s most enduring masterpieces.
Finally, on 23 January, gallery curators host a special talk on Georges Seurat and the Neo-Impressionists. This session explores Seurat’s pioneering techniques and his contemporaries as the Courtauld prepares its first UK exhibition devoted to the artist in nearly 30 years. Attendees gain a deeper understanding of the pointillist master and the vibrant artistic world he helped shape.
For more details visit https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
