UK Launches Year-Long Celebrations for J.M.W. Turner’s 250th Birthday

In 2025, cultural institutions across Britain will honor J.M.W. Turner with a year-long celebration marking his 250th birthday, dubbed 'Turner 250'. The festivities will include over 30 exhibitions and events, featuring significant displays at venues like Tate Britain, Norwich Castle Museum, and Harewood House, where Turner’s work will be showcased alongside that of contemporaries like Jane Austen. Key highlights include an exhibition pairing Turner with John Constable and a retrospective on his influence on modern art. The Turner Prize will also be staged in Bradford as part of the UK City of Culture program, with shortlisted artists announced on Turner’s birthday. Throughout the year, additional content such as documentaries and digital projects will further explore Turner’s legacy. Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant emphasized the importance of this celebration as an opportunity for the public to engage with Britain's artistic heritage.