As London gears up for the holiday season, our team put together a brief recap of some of the best cultural events occurring this season. From exhibitions to film festivals, here are our top recommendations for cultural happenings in London this autumn. 

Visit

Leighton House has just re-opened after being closed for renovations and refurbishment. Stop by the newly refurbished Leighton House in West London. Located in West Kensington, the former home of artist Lord Leighton and is famous for its Arab Hall as well as unique, eclectic collection of Middle-eastern art and tiles. The new space includes a new exhibition hall, as well as a permanent collection by Iranian artist Shahrzad Ghaffari. 

In addition, you can also view handmade furniture made by the artisans of Turquoise Mountain Jordan.

Dreamy interiors at Leighton House. Photo by Dirk Linder for Leighton House.

Cinema

Autumn in London is the best time for cinephiles. If you missed the BFI Film Festival, you can check out Film Africa (biennial festival dedicated to African cinema, London Palestine Film Festival, as well as the London Korean Film Festival. Our team will be viewing Mediterranean Fever at the Opening Gala of the Palestine Film Festival. 

Music

See acclaimed Malian singer and songwriter Fatoumata Diawara at Southbank Centre on Saturday, November 12th. Fatoumata Diawara will perform highlights from her new album, Maliba. Maliba was a collaboration between Google Arts & Culture and pays tribute to the historic Timbuktu manuscripts.  

Exhibition

Visit the Barbican's latest immersive exhibition Rebel Rebel by Iranian artist Soheila Sokhanvari. The exhibition spotlights stories and histories of Iranian women between 1925 and the revolution of 1979. 

Colourful pajaki. Photo by  Ola O. Smit for Folka.