Best 10 museum exhibitions in London 2021

Enjoy a look at key figures in the British monarchy, as more than 150 portraits go on display at the National Maritime Museum. Run in conjunction with the National Gallery, Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits covers 500 years of history, and showcases works by major artists and photographers such as Cecil Beaton and Annie Leibovitz. Until 31 Oct

For even more royal portraits, check out Faces of a Queen: The Armada Portraits of Elizabeth I, at neighbouring Queen’s House.

Be prepared to venture through Deepest Darkest Peru (well, the British Library) as everyone’s favourite marmalade-sandwich-eating bear is honoured with Paddington: The Story of a Bear. See original illustrations, the author’s notes and photographs, plus follow marmalade splats for more Paddington-themed treasures. Until 31 Oct

Tumble down the rabbit hole like never before during The V&A’s immersive exhibition on the history of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Expect plenty of theatrics, as Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser charts the story’s 157-year history, from illustrations in the first published edition to references in modern culture. Until 31 Dec

Don’t miss the chance to see Princess Diana’s iconic wedding dress, which is on display for the first time as part of the Royal Style in the Making exhibition at Kensington Palace. This temporary exhibition looks into the partnerships between fashion designers and the Royal Family through items rarely seen in public. Until 2 Jan. Book now

Where do wonders of the natural world end and mythical beings begin? The Natural History Museum’s exhibition Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature looks into how animals use almost magical behaviours and techniques to attract mates or to confuse predators in order to make a hasty escape. Until 3 Jan 

There's plenty of monkeying around at the Horniman Museum and Gardens, as its latest exhibition Monkey Business looks into the life and evolution of primates. Study models, photography, film and taxidermy, and learn how human activity is putting some of our closest living relatives at risk of extinction. Until 3 Jan

From iconic The Great Wave to depictions of everyday life, Katsushika Hokusai is one of Japan’s most illustrious artists. The British Museum examines the man and his work, bringing together more than 100 drawings created for The Great Picture Book of Everything encyclopaedia that was never published. Until 30 Jan

Gain an insight into the life of indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest, and the issues they face, through leading photographer Sebastian Salgado’s images in Amazônia at the Science Museum. Marvel at aerial views and study images of everyday life captured at the heart of the rainforest. Until Mar

Get a glimpse into the scientific breakthroughs that are helping to combat climate change at the Science Museum’s free exhibition Our Future Planet. Whether protecting ancient forests or processes trapping carbon dioxide, find out how scientists are attempting to make the planet greener. Until Sep

The London Transport Museum’s unique Hidden London exhibition takes you beneath London's streets, into abandoned Tube stations. Learn how these now disused spaces were once functioning stations, and discover how they played a crucial role in wartime efforts during the Second World War. You'll uncover posters, photos and even a recreated ticket hall! Until autumn 2023