Croydon brings National Gallery masterpieces to the streets
Croydon is set to make history as the first London borough to host The National Gallery: Art On Your Doorstep, a major free outdoor exhibition bringing life-sized reproductions of world-famous paintings into public spaces. From 3 February to 5 July 2026, 30 iconic artworks selected with the help of local community groups will be displayed across 12 locations, including The Queen’s Gardens, Croydon Minster, Whitgift Shopping Centre, Park Hill Park, and neighbourhoods such as Coulsdon, Purley, Thornton Heath and Upper Norwood.
AOYD in Stoke on Trent credit Stoke-on-Trent City Council 2.
The Croydon collection showcases masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in history, including Michelangelo, Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Stubbs, Turner, Van Eyck and Van Gogh. Highlights such as Whistlejacket, The Bathers and Sunflowers will be reproduced at their true size, allowing visitors to experience intricate details and brushwork up close, entirely free of charge. A downloadable exhibition map and family activity sheet will be available from early February via Culture Croydon and local libraries.
Alongside the exhibition, acclaimed British artist Rachel Gadsden will lead a series of free, inclusive workshops during February half-term. Using a range of creative materials, participants of all ages and abilities will contribute artworks that will be combined into four large-scale pieces titled The Croydon Masterpiece, celebrating the borough’s people and stories. A special adult evening session, Sip & Draw, will also invite residents to take part in a relaxed, guided creative experience, with the final collective artwork going on public display in May 2026.
Rachel Gadsden. Image credit The Snappy Artist.
The programme extends further with exhibitions at the Museum of Croydon, themed events for International Women’s Day, talks exploring the histories behind the artworks, and celebrations inspired by global artistic traditions. Executive Mayor Jason Perry praised the initiative for bringing world-class culture into everyday spaces, while the National Gallery highlighted Croydon’s strong community involvement. Together, the programme reflects Croydon’s ambition to make art accessible, inclusive and deeply connected to local life.
Date: 3 February – 5 July 2026. Location: Various locations across Croydon. culturecroydon.com
