London’s Tate Modern is preparing to transform its iconic Turbine Hall into a unique immersive experience, showcasing the stage designs of British artist David Hockney. The exhibition, slated to open in 2027, will feature sets created by Hockney for operatic productions of Mozart, Wagner, and Stravinsky, dating back to the 1970s. This ambitious project coincides with celebrations surrounding Hockney’s 90th birthday, solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted artist extending beyond his celebrated landscapes and portraits.
Whereas opera may not resonate with all contemporary audiences – a sentiment recently voiced by actor Timothée Chalamet, who suggested the art form might be “passé” – Tate Modern is embracing Hockney’s contributions to the world of stagecraft. The exhibition aims to highlight a lesser-known facet of Hockney’s prolific career, demonstrating his versatility and innovative spirit. Hockney’s foray into set design began in 1966 with a production of Alfred Jarry’s Ubu Roi at the Royal Court Theatre, marking the start of a 17-year period during which he designed 11 opera sets. This upcoming display promises a rare glimpse into this period of his artistic development.
Hockney’s Unexpected Stage Designs
David Hockney, renowned for his vibrant paintings of swimming pools, Californian landscapes, and intimate portraits, initially approached set design with a pragmatic curiosity. As he himself stated, “I wanted to design operas because I aim for to have something to seem at,” according to MyArtBroker. This seemingly simple motivation belied a deep engagement with the dramatic possibilities of the stage. His designs, particularly for Richard Strauss’s Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman without a Shadow), embraced a distinctive pop-art aesthetic, injecting a fresh visual language into the world of opera.
A Broader Tate Modern Program for 2027
The Hockney exhibition is just one highlight of Tate Modern’s ambitious program for 2027. The museum is also preparing a retrospective dedicated to Sonia Boyce, the British artist who received the Golden Lion award at the 2022 Venice Biennale. An exhibition focusing on the function of Edvard Munch is planned. These shows demonstrate Tate Modern’s commitment to showcasing both established masters and contemporary voices within the art world.
Tate Liverpool is also set for a significant reopening with a career-spanning exhibition of Chila Kumari Singh Burman, a contemporary of Boyce’s. Burman is known for her vibrant and politically charged artwork, including a memorable installation where she hung neons outside Tate Britain in 2020. This reopening signifies a renewed focus on contemporary art and cultural engagement for the Liverpool institution.
Monet’s “Painting Time” at Tate Modern
A particularly anticipated exhibition will be the first-ever Monet show at Tate Modern, titled “Painting Time.” Curator Catherine Wood explains that the exhibition will delve into the artist’s “obsession with capturing the instant,” focusing on the development of his iconic Water Lilies cycle. The exhibition will trace the evolution of Monet’s work from the 1890s, a period marked by the onset of cataracts, through to his death in 1926 at the age of 86. Despite his declining vision, Monet continued to paint, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to his craft. The exhibition will be a collaboration with the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and will feature loans from various collections, building on the precedent set when Tate Modern opened in 2000 with a pairing of Monet’s work and a piece by Richard Long.
Further Exhibitions at Tate Britain
Tate Britain will also contribute significantly to the 2027 program with a 120-work exhibition celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Gainsborough. This comprehensive showcase will offer a fresh perspective on the work of one of Britain’s most celebrated portrait and landscape painters. The museum will present the first major presentation of Tudor art in 30 years, providing a comprehensive overview of artistic production during this pivotal period in English history.
Beyond these headline exhibitions, Tate Modern will also feature landmark shows dedicated to Baya, a female Algerian artist who influenced Pablo Picasso, India’s Nalini Malani, and the American sculptor Lynda Benglis, known for her innovative apply of materials like latex and Day-Glo pigment. This diverse range of exhibitions underscores Tate’s commitment to showcasing a global spectrum of artistic talent and perspectives.
Leadership Transition at Tate
The announcement of this ambitious exhibition program comes during a period of transition for Tate, as Maria Balshaw prepares to depart after nine years as director. Karin Hindsbo is currently serving as interim director while a permanent successor is recruited, with the appointment requiring approval from the Prime Minister. Hindsbo emphasized the breadth and ambition of the upcoming program, stating, “This is an exhibition programme that only Tate could deliver. It spans the centuries, from the 1500s to the present day, and it spans the globe, from Europe to Asia, Africa and America.” She further highlighted the program’s focus on celebrating the creativity and vision of artists, noting that the exhibitions will showcase “the many different ways that artists think and work, and their unique ability to inspire and move us.”
The upcoming exhibitions at Tate Modern and Tate Britain promise a rich and diverse cultural experience for visitors in 2027. From the immersive world of David Hockney’s opera sets to the groundbreaking work of contemporary artists, the program reflects a commitment to showcasing the power and enduring relevance of art. The unveiling of the Monet exhibition, in particular, is expected to draw significant attention, offering a modern perspective on the artist’s iconic Water Lilies and his unwavering dedication to capturing the fleeting moments of light and color.
As Tate Modern prepares for this exciting new chapter, the art world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of these ambitious exhibitions. The program represents a significant investment in cultural programming and a reaffirmation of Tate’s position as a leading international art institution. Further updates regarding specific dates and ticketing information will be released in the coming months.
The search for a permanent director to succeed Maria Balshaw is ongoing, with an announcement expected this summer. Keep an eye on the official Tate website for the latest news and updates regarding the 2027 exhibition program and the leadership transition. What are your thoughts on the upcoming exhibitions? Share your comments below and let us know which shows you are most excited to see!