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Art History Festival 2026
Monday 5- Sunday 11 October 2026
The Art History Festival 2026 celebrates the full spectrum of art history in all its richness, across the histories of art, architecture and design.
From hands‑on workshops to behind‑the‑scenes demonstrations, curator‑led tours and creative experiences, the Festival is packed with events of all kinds, for audiences of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences.
Take part in the 2026 festival, and learn how art history helps us to better understand the world around us. Get curious, relax, have fun or learn something new at a free event online or at a venue near you.
The Art History Festival is an annual event run by the Association for Art History, celebrating art, design, and architecture.
For partners developing events, we’re also offering two optional areas of focus;
– Events for young people (13 -18 years)
– Events on making and materials
These are simply prompts for inspiration – there is absolutely no obligation to
follow them. For more information, see our Call for Submissions.
All events as part of our festival are free to attend. If you would like to support our work, please get in touch with our Development Manager, Chloe Nigro at chloe@forarthistory.org.uk
Image credit: Photograph credit: Marysa Dowling for National Portrait Gallery, London
Upcoming Events
Through Art, Through Memory: Representing Northern Ireland during the Second World War
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum
Explore the Northern Ireland War Memorial’s art collection at your own pace, online, exclusively through…Mon 5th Oct – Sun 11th Oct
12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Sisters, Brothers and Others: Nationality and 20th-century Chinese Art
Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
Most citizens of the People’s Republic of China are Han, an ethnicity often translated as…Mon 5th Oct – Sun 11th Oct
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Won’t Sit Still
Manchester Art Gallery
Won’t Sit Still is a vibrant celebration of the gallery’s furniture and lighting collection, shaped by…Mon 5th Oct – Sun 11th Oct
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
National Gallery Artworks on site as part of Art on Your Doorstep
Boston Manor House
Life-size reproductions of masterpieces from the National Gallery collection will be coming to Brentford as…Mon 5th Oct – Sun 11th Oct
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
IN YOUR CLASSROOM – Courtauld Gallery Virtual Tour
Courtauld Gallery
Teacher bookings only. This offer is free of charge to all UK based, state funded,…Mon 5th Oct – Fri 9th Oct
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Colonial Views of India: Photographs by Eugene Clutternbuck Impey
Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
This small free exhibition is the first to focus on photographs and negatives in the…Mon 5th Oct – Sun 11th Oct
10:00 am – 5:00 pm