May: What's On This Month

Embark on a visual exploration of royalty through the lens of photography at the Royal Collection Trust's distinguished exhibition, "Royal Portraits”, taking place at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, formerly known as The Queen’s Gallery. This meticulously curated exhibition showcases the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day, presenting over 150 prints and documents sourced from esteemed collections. Delve into the nuanced portrayal of the Royal Family over successive decades, offering profound insights into the intersection of monarchy and visual representation. The image used is a photograph of Princess Margaret by Anthony Armstrong-Jones, 1^st Earl of Snowdon.  

Delve into the prodigious late-career output of Michelangelo Buonarroti at the British Museum's insightful exhibition, "Michelangelo: The Last Decades." This scholarly exploration illuminates the unexpected surge of creativity and productivity that characterised Michelangelo's later years, showcasing his ambitious projects and collaborative endeavours. From his late 50s to almost 89, witness the enduring legacy of one of history's foremost artistic luminaries.
 

Explore an archaeological odyssey at Highclere Castle's prestigious exhibition, "The Egyptian Exhibition", located in Hampshire. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Howard Carter's birth, this immersive exhibition delves into his seminal discovery of the intact tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Marvel at artifacts from this extraordinary archaeological find, offering unprecedented insights into the ancient Egyptian civilization and Howard Carter's legacy as a pioneering archaeologist.

The National Gallery's landmark exhibition, "The Last Caravaggio" explores the last known painting the artist did before his death. This scholarly endeavour offers an insight into Caravaggio’s last-known work, 'The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula', a poignant portrayal of violence and innocence. Accompanying this evocative piece will be the letter detailing its creation, sourced from the Archivio di Stato in Naples, and the National Gallery’s own late Caravaggio, 'Salome with the Head of John the Baptist' (c. 1609–10).

Challenge conventional narratives of art history at Tate Britain's groundbreaking exhibition, "Now You See Us." This revelatory showcase shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of women artists to the British art scene from the 16th to the early 20th century. With works spanning four centuries, celebrate the ingenuity, talent and resilience of women artists who defied societal constraints to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. The image shown is Self-Portrait by Gwen John, 1902. 

The Chelsea Flower Show, hosted by the RHS annually, showcases breathtaking floral displays, innovative garden designs and the latest trends in horticulture. With its prestigious reputation and global allure, the show attracts enthusiasts, designers and royalty alike, offering a vibrant celebration of nature and the art of gardening in the historic grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

In commemoration of the iconic Eiffel Tower's anniversary, this May presents an opportunity to engage in festivities honouring its enduring legacy as a symbol of romance, innovation and architectural ingenuity. Against the backdrop of the Parisian skyline, visitors are invited to partake in a series of special events, illuminations, and ceremonies celebrating the landmark's historical significance to France and the world.