Asian Art in London (AAL) returns for its 29th edition this autumn, transforming the capital into a city-wide showcase of Asian art through specialised exhibitions, auctions, talks, and late-night gallery openings.
Asian Art in London's 29th edition
Thirteen days of galleries, auction houses and museums across the capital, mostly free to visit- Address
- Multiple venues in and around Central London (dealers, auction houses, museums, galleries)
- Admission
- Free at most participating galleries and auction houses, some museum exhibitions and talks ticketed separately
- Starts
- October 29, 2026
- Ends
- November 10, 2026
More about the event
- 29th Edition
- Asian Art in London returns for its 29th year, running from 29 October to 10 November 2026.
- Art Across Asia
- The programme spans art from Japan, China, Korea, Southeast Asia, India and the Islamic world, from ancient objects through to contemporary works.
- Major London Institutions
- Events extend beyond commercial galleries and auction houses to major cultural institutions, with the 2026 calendar already including the British Museum, Dulwich Picture Gallery and The Courtauld.
- Collectors and Casual Visitors
- The season combines exhibitions and auctions with talks, symposia, performances, gallery openings and short courses, so it is not solely aimed at established collectors.
- Full Programme Coming September
- The complete 2026 guidebook and event calendar will be released in early September, when participating galleries, exhibitions and individual events are confirmed.
A City-Wide Season Dedicated to Asian Art
Asian Art in London is the world’s first city-based Asian art season, founded in 1998 to promote London as an international centre for expertise and excellence in Asian art. Every autumn, the event coordinates a diverse programme of specialised exhibitions and auctions hosted by respected dealers, galleries, and auction houses across Central London. It spans ancient to contemporary works from India, the Islamic world, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The event brings together leading institutions and private galleries to create a rich and fascinating schedule dedicated to Asian art, with many exhibitions accompanied by academically researched publications.
Across Galleries, Auctions and Museums
- Dates: Thursday, 29 October to Tuesday, 10 November 2026
- Location: Multiple venues in and around Central London (dealers, auction houses, museums, galleries)
- Format: City-wide programme of exhibitions, auctions, lectures, gallery talks, performances, short courses, and networking events
The full 2026 calendar of events, including specific auction house talks, gallery openings, and related events, will be published in early September 2026 via the official guidebook and events calendar on the AAL website.
Two Japanese exhibitions running during the season
Most of the year’s major Japanese shows in London close before the season opens, so the overlap is narrower than the programme’s scope suggests. Two run inside the 2026 dates and are worth building a route around.
Dulwich Picture Gallery opens Hokusai: Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji from the Iuchi Collection on 20 October, nine days before the season begins. The complete series comes to the UK for the first time, 46 prints in total, including Under the Wave off Kanagawa and a rare impression of Clear Day with a Southern Breeze. Entry is for gallery members only, with membership from £46.
Captive Blooms, Ninagawa Mika’s outdoor commission in Soho Photography Quarter, runs to June 2027 and costs nothing. Her large-scale photographic work is mounted on the walls and across the street outside The Photographers’ Gallery, with no ticket and no closing time, which makes it the easiest thing on the list to fit between West End auction viewings.
Late Night Openings Across Central London
A highlight of the programme is the series of relaxed, drop-in Late Night Openings, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to view Participants’ displays after hours.
The 2026 schedule is:
- South Kensington and Belgravia: Saturday 31 October 2026
- St James’s: Sunday 1 November 2026
- Mayfair: Monday 2 November 2026
Not all galleries participate in these late openings, so visitors should check the AAL website listings for individual gallery details once the calendar is released.
Auction Houses and Categories for 2026
Participating auction houses for 2026 include:
- AstaGuru
- Bonhams Knightsbridge
- Bonhams New Bond Street
- Christie’s
- Lyon & Turnbull
- Roseberys
- Sotheby’s
Auctions will cover a wide range of categories, including:
- Indian & Islamic Art
- Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern and South Asian Art
- Works of Art and Modern & Contemporary Art from Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia
Exhibitions, Talks, and Curated Tours
Visitors can look forward to expert-led talks and seminars by curators, scholars, and specialists, as well as guided gallery hops and curated tours through Asian art collections. Private views and receptions at major institutions such as the V&A and British Library will provide exclusive access to new exhibitions. Networking opportunities with London-based scholars, artists, and art dealers will allow attendees to connect with the vibrant Asian art community.
Partnership with LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair
A new partnership has been announced between LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair and Asian Art in London, with both events running alongside each other in autumn in Mayfair. LAPADA brings together nearly 100 dealers and galleries, focusing on art, antiques, design, and jewellery, creating a synergistic cultural week for visitors.
Getting Around the 2026 Programme
The full 2026 guidebook and events calendar will be available in early September 2026 at asianartinlondon.com. General enquiries can be sent to info@asianartinlondon.com, while event RSVPs are often handled via sophie@asianartinlondon.com. With events spread across multiple venues, visitors are encouraged to review the calendar once published and plan their itinerary accordingly.
A Week of Access to London’s Asian Art Scene
Asian Art in London offers a unique opportunity to explore the finest in Asian art across the capital, from ancient masterpieces to contemporary works, all within a single week. Whether you’re a collector, scholar, or enthusiast, the event provides unparalleled access to London’s vibrant Asian art scene, with chances to connect with experts, discover new works, and attend exclusive talks and viewings.
For more information and updates, visit the official website: asianartinlondon.com.
