Ministry Guide to Holiday Exhibitions!

It's that time of year again- the city is covered in trees and twinkly lights and, for many of us, friends and family descend for the festive season. So whether you are stuck at home with extended family or have friends crashing on your floor to enjoy Christmas in the city, exhibitions are a great way to keep everyone entertained (and out of your hair). But what's good to see? Don't worry, we've got you covered with our Ministry top 10 holiday exhibition picks! From the Cuban Picasso to taxidermy to a Dickensian Christmas- London's museums are catering to everyone this Christmas season...  

1) Making Nature at the Wellcome Collection

The Wellcome's blockbuster offering for the Christmas season, Making Nature is a very different take on the natural history collection. Rather than just displaying animals by region or type, this exhibition tries to get to the bottom about how we see and think about animals. From taxonomic classification to modern attempts at cloning and genetic modification, the exhibition prompts us to think about how we have interacted with and changed the natural world. It's not for everyone, but a thoughtful and off-beat exhibition that will start some interesting conversations. It certainly will make you think differently about Planet Earth II!

2) Silent Night at the Dennis Severs House

If you can get tickets, this is absolutely one of our favourite annual festive traditions. The Dennis Severs house in Spitalfields is worth a visit anytime of year, but its especially lovely at Christmas. A cross between a museum and an art installation, a silent trip through the Severs house takes you through all the sights and scents of the holiday season across the ages. Start downstairs in the seventeenth century basement and finish with a riotous late Victorian celebration. Stop across the street at the Water Poet for a mulled wine after. A great date and a fun evening with friends.

3) Lives, Loves and Loss: Traces at Fenton House

If you have more of an artsy crowd to please, then this exhibition at Fenton House in Hampstead might be for you. Artists, designs and makers have taken over the 17th century merchants house for a special theatrical experience until the 23rd of December. Untold stories come to life through specially commissioned interventions, including an 8 course menu of scented napkins by Ministry friend AVM Curiosities! Plus you can even take an afternoon wander in near by Hampstead Heath. A lovely day out. Booking recommended.

4) Christmas at the Dickens Museum

Maybe you want to go a little more traditional, and nothing says Christmas in London like Charles Dickens. I mean, Dickens literally defined the Christmas spirit in a Christmas Carol right? Decked out for a mid-nineteenth century celebration, wander through the rooms of the Dickens family and feel transported in time. An annual trip for many, and a definite crowd pleaser.

5) Beyond Caravaggio at the National Gallery

This exhibition has been a big hit for the National Gallery and lucky for you, runs through the Christmas period. As the title suggests, the exhibition isn't solely about the famous Italian painter, although they have shipped in some of his most spectacular works. What the exhibition does so well is show how Caravaggio revolutionised art. Perfect for fans of his dramatic light and dark paintings. Worth it to see work by Artemesia Gentileschi - one of the most badass female painters of all time.

6) Emma Hamilton at the National Maritime Museum

We are ashamed to say we haven't actually seen this exhibition but have heard very very good things. We like the NMM's brave departure from the traditional 'brave men at sea' theme to tackle the life and times of Emma Hamilton's, arguably the most famous celebrities of the late eighteenth century. The maritime connection comes in with Hamilton infamously being Lord Nelson's mistress, but she is so much more than that. The exhibition explores not only Hamilton's fascinating career and unstoppable spirit, but also thinks more broadly about celebrity. Plus, you get to spend the day in lovely Greenwich, a great trip with the family.

7) Wifredo Lam at the Tate Modern

This underrated exhibition at the Tate Modern is definitely definitely worth your time if you are a fan of modern art. Don't worry, the crowds at the Tate Modern might be swarming for Robert Rauschenberg, but the Lam exhibition offers some welcome respite. Which is strange since it is (in our eyes) the superior exhibition. Lam, the son of a Chinese immigrant father and an Afro-Cuban mother, spent the 1920s, 30s and 40s witnessing some of the most tumultuous political times of the twentieth century. From the rise of Castro in his native Cuba, to the surrealists in Paris, Franco in Madrid, Lam even found his way into a French internment camp in the Second World War. His work reflects his Cuban culture and his relationship with the French and Spanish surrealists. Picasso loved his stuff, and we know you will to. A must see.

8) Abstract Expressionism at the Royal Academy

Ok so if we are in the artistic mood, we have to mention Abstract Expressionism at the RA. If you like the American abstract expressionists then you will not be disappointed by this exhibition which brings together works from the likes of Rothko, Pollock and De Kooning. A miniature MOMA in London. The RA provides a perfect space for the towering, chaotic work of these artists. Not as many female artists as we might like, but worth a visit for being an art history lesson in one exhibition. Plus the RA shop is always awesome for last minute gifts.

9) Christmas Past at the Geffrye Museum

Guys, we just had to do it. We know we talk about it every year, but nothing says Christmas like the period rooms at the Geffrye Museum. With displays covering the seventeenth century to today, find out more about how we celebrated Christmas in the past. Family friendly and always a hit with your older relatives, the Geffrye is always a gorgeous Christmas treat, complete with a lovely cafe. For something maybe not so festive, but equally interesting, check out their exhibition on teenage bedrooms.

10) The Design Museum

Ok maybe not an exhibition, but how often does a major museum get a complete refurb? The Design Museum has just relocated to South Kensington, taking over the old Commonwealth Institute and transforming it with a new avant-guard roof. Current exhibitions include Fear and Love- rooms installed to reflect on life, design and politics. You can even meet an industrial robot. Worth a visit for the new building alone.

Ministry Christmas Gift Guide!

Is there anywhere better than London for Christmas? We think not - although we aren't the biggest fan of the present shopping crowds! So don't spend your time searching on Oxford Street - you can get all the cool gifties you need from museums and galleries! Every year we try to post our favourite museum-y objects for your friends and family - and 2015 is a bumper year for cool stuff! Here are just a few of our favourite picks:

You could probably get everything you need from Tate's amazing online Christmas shop (complete with gifts sorted by price) but here are some we absolutely must have!

Mapplethrope Skull Framed Print £30

Tatty Devine Brush-stoke Necklace £22.50

Calder tote-bag £30
























For all things London you needn't go further than the Museum of London!

Sherlock Holmes inspired tea-cup and saucer set £32

Ok we know he's expensive but look at this little Sherlock bear! £35

Ladies Tonic Jar £10

London the Illustrated History £20























Kew Gardens has an amazing gift shop- especially great for gardeners, mums and those tricky mums-in-law

Flowers of Love colouring book £10

Vintage French Herbs Planter £15

Bone China Milk Jug £5

Kew Oven Glove £12


















The British Library has a new Alice in Wonderland range and we are losing our minds!

Alice Notebook Limited Edition Moleskin £12

Queen of Heart's Cushion £30

Wonderland Necklace £30

White Rabbit Tie £25
























London Transport Museum always has a strong gift game- especially for culture vulture guy friends!

After Dark Rum £40

Tatty Devine Gin Cufflinks £30

All Blacks vs. London Mug £10

The Moving Metropolis: History of London's Transport £25























For kids you really needn't look further than the Natural History Museum. #dinosaurs plus some cool things for big kids too

Dinosaur Babygrow £25

Reindeer Poo in a Box £6

Kissing Squirrels Necklace £32

Don't forget museum memberships always make a great gift if you just can't think of anything! 

The Ministry Recommends - Holiday Exhibitions!

It's that time of year again- everyone is finishing work and preparing for a glorious few days of respite to celebrate the festive season. Many of us will be heading out of the metropolis into the countryside, but we know quite a few will be spending the next week in one of the most Christmassy cities in the world- London. Whether your family is coming to you, you are planning a day trip into town, you are a native Londoner, or spending the holidays solo - an exhibition is a brilliant festive idea. So here are our top tips for London exhibitions to visit with friends, family, dates, and even Grinches. 

Institute of Sexology at the Wellcome Collection. Good for: Those who've seen it all, Friends, Dates

Sex for Christmas? Who doesn't love a visit to the Wellcome Collection for it's creative, intriguing and challenging blend of art, science and history. Looking at pornography, early sex research, Victorian fetishists and contemporary art... well it certainly will make for a memorable day out. 

Christmas Past at the Geffrye Museum. Good for: Parents, Families, Grandparents, In-laws

Yes it's back - that holiday classic- it's Christmas Past at the Geffrye Museum. If you are from London you've probably been to visit many times, but actually the museum changes it's period rooms each year. With activities for kids and plenty of festive history for adults- it's a winning family trip. Free but actually closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day so check the website. 

Sherlock Holmes at the Museum of London. Good for: Big kids, Friends, In-laws

We really enjoyed this exhibition which is perfect for lovers of the books, films or just the city of London. With something for everyone from memorabilia, art and Victorian objects- Sherlock is a crowd pleaser for whoever you are entertaining. Might be a bit over the heads of little ones though, maybe take them to our next choice...

Information Age at the Science Museum. Good for: Kids, Families, Big kids

Stuck of ideas of what to do with nieces and nephews? If you are looking for an exhibition thats good for kids of all ages (including big kids) we'd definitely recommend the Science Museum's new Information Age gallery. I mean- the Queen visited and sent her first tweet at the opening! Definitely a top museum moment of 2014.

Egon Schiele: The Radical Nude at the Courtauld Gallery. Good for: Art lovers, Big kids, Grinches

Tired of all the sugar-y sweetness of Christmas? The Courtauld's exhibition of Austrian expressionist artist Egon Schiele is different, challenging and boundary pushing. Perfect if you want to show off the city's cultural offer! 

Truth and Memory: British Art of the First World War at the Imperial War Museum. Good for: Dads, Big kids, In-laws

If you haven't had time to get down to the new First World War galleries at the Imperial War Museum, why not combine a visit with a trip to their complementary art exhibition. Artistic responses to the conflict make a powerful accompaniment to the object based galleries. Perfect for military history lovers, plus both are free!

Late Turner: Painting Set Free at Tate Britain. Good for: Culture Vultures, Grandparents

Some people called him mad- in his life time JMW Turner's late paintings were considered to be, well, a little bit crap and weird. But now the Tate is having another look and explore how these unusual works are intriguing, energetic and surprisingly modern. A great treat for families with grown up kids, culture lovers, and Turner fans. 

Conflict, Time, Photography at the Tate Modern. Good for: Culture Vultures, Those who've seen it all, Dates

Tired of all the Christmas trees and twinkly lights? Take a break and get real with the Tate Modern in their exploration of conflict around the world since the invention of photography. 

Constructing Worlds: Photography and Architecture in the Modern Age at the Barbican. Good For: Culture Vultures, Big kids, Friends

If you are looking for an exhibition for design lovers or maybe just those who are too cool for school - head down to the Barbican and you are sure to win major points for this photographic exhibition of modern architecture (in one of London's most iconic buildings no less). 

Ming: 50 Years that changed China at the British Museum. Good for: Moms, Grandparents, In-laws

Only a few more weeks left to see the British Museum's latest blockbuster show. In this show-stopping exhibition, you'll find beautiful art and objects from China's glittering 15th century rulers, the Ming dynasty.

So now - go forth and make Christmas 2014 a museum-y one! Don't forget, advance booking is recommended for most of these exhibitions, so skip the queues and holiday drama by booking online.

The Ministry Recommends: Halloween Events!

We think it goes without saying, but the Ministry loves Halloween. The spooky, macabre, off-beat - we think no one does Halloween quite like London. Or should we say... London's museums! Yep- if you check our Time Out you'll notice museums have jumped on the Halloween band-wagon, and why wouldn't they? We all know museums can be a bit creepy (in the good way) so rather than spending your hard-earned cash on fancy dress and expensive entry fees, why not spend next Friday at one of these amazing events?

Subterranean Scream Lates at the London Transport Museum (Fri 31st)

LTM has definitely stepped up it's event offerings of late, and their Halloween evening is no different. Head down to Covent Garden to hear ghost stories of the underground, have your tarot cards read, all lubricated with two for one priced spooky cocktails. Think you already know all about London's haunted history, then test your knowledge at their Deadly London pub quiz. Personally, I've never seen anything quite as scary as next train arriving in 8 minutes. Tickets £10:
http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/events-calendar/friday-lates

Really just an average Friday night on the tube. 

Halloween Lates at the Museum of London Docklands (Fri 31st, Tues 4th, 11th, 18th)

Never been to the Museum of London's docklands branch before? Well you are in for a treat! Head down to West India Quay to learn all about the history of the East End and the docks - London's vibrant melting pot for centuries. And what a better opportunity to get to know the area a little better than on a ghost tour. You'll get a tour around some of the docks most haunted locations before travelling back in time yourself through their reconstruction of Victorian Wapping. Also apparently you get to hear about how the museum is actually haunted. Actually. Haunted. Price is a little steep (£25) but a drink is included: http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands/whats-on/adult-events/late-events-docklands/

National Maritime Museum Halloween Lates: Death in the Archives (Fri 31st)

Everyone knows sailor's tell the best ghost stories. Well- apparently this is literally true as the NMM's archive bring forth tales of death, horror and tragedy. From shipwrecks to cannibalism, come here about the terrible treasures of the Archive. Tickets are £15 but you also get a candlelight tour of their 'The Art and Science of Exploration' exhibition.
http://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/events/death-in-archive

London Necropolis Railway (Thu 30th, Fri 31st, Sat 1st)

We have to admit, we have actually already bought tickets for this. It's fairly unclear from the website how historically accurate the evening's experience will be- but the history of the Necropolis Railway is fascinating. In the early 19th century- London had a problem. It's population was booming, but with more people, came more deaths. London's cemeteries were overflowing, leaving ripe pickings for the body snatchers. Some people reporting they could see the ground seeping and rising in London's burial grounds. So what did they do? Built a cemetery out of town in Surrey and built a special railway to accommodate the demand for funerals. To get a taste of what it's all about, head to Waterloo Station for a pop-up night of terror... http://zombieapocalypselondon.co.uk/necropolis/halloween-events-london.html

A Gothic and Ghostly Gathering at the Geffrye Museum (6th Nov) 

The Geffrye are offering a multi-sensory experience for their (slightly later) Halloween celebrations. Not only ghost stories and candle-lit displays, but historically accurate riddles and haunting ballads. I don't know about you but historically accurate balladeer-ing is literally the only way to celebrate the season. http://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/whatson/events/special-events/


Or if you are hoping for something a little bit less boozy and terrifying, there are kid-friendly events on at Sutton House, the Benjamin Franklin House

The Ministry's Pay Day Picks

Have you spent the past month slaving over loan agreements? Do you have aching bones after a long install? Or feeling the strain from the school holiday craziness? In any case its time to treat your self with some museum goodies! 

1. A commemorative cushion from the Imperial War Museum. £30

2. Drinking a bottle alone? Make some friends with these cute ad dons for your discarded wine corks. £3 each at the Science Museum

3. Did you love playing with these cut out dolls as a kid? Now you can dress up your own Frida Khalo cut out in fabulous Mexican gowns and envy those brows! Available at the Fashion and Textile Museum.

 4. What more could you do to satisfy a museum geek? Buy them a pair of Anne Boleyn  pants! You'll be guarenteed an exciting night. Not currently available in a museum but can be found here  for only £15 http://www.askherfriends.com/product/tudor-pants/  

5. When work gets you down you need some relentless optimism! A 'We Make Our Own Future' mug designed by Rose Vickers is a must have for every museum lovers work cuppa. £15 from V and A shop.