London is currently hosting a series of major art fairs, drawing artists, collectors, and curators to the city. From established international events like Frieze London and Frieze Masters to specialized showcases such as 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and PAD London, the week offers diverse opportunities for art engagement. This guide provides essential details for navigating the city's vibrant art scene from October 14 to 19, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Frieze London and Frieze Masters run concurrently from October 15–19, 2025, at The Regent’s Park.
- 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, focusing on African art, takes place October 16–19, 2025, at Somerset House.
- PAD London, featuring design and decorative arts, began October 14 and continues until October 19, 2025, at Berkeley Square.
- Minor Attractions, an emerging event blending art and performance, is held October 14–18, 2025, at The Mandrake.
Frieze London: A Fresh Perspective
Frieze London, a leading international contemporary art fair, is presenting its 2025 edition with a redesigned floorplan. Architecture and design studio A Studio Between created the new layout to highlight specific curated sections. These sections include 'Artist-to-Artist' and 'Echoes in the Present', a new themed area for this year.
The fair features more than 160 galleries from around the world. Of these, 58 exhibitors are based in London. These London-based galleries are known for their significant contributions to the city's cultural landscape, both locally and internationally.
Frieze London at a Glance
- Dates: October 15–19, 2025
- Location: The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4LL, United Kingdom
- Exhibitors: Over 160 galleries
- New Sections: Echoes in the Present
Frieze Masters: Historical Art Focus
Running alongside Frieze London, Frieze Masters maintains its reputation as a key destination for historical art. This fair showcases works spanning painting, sculpture, and decorative arts from antiquity to the 20th century. The popular 'Studio' and 'Spotlight' sections have returned for 2025.
This year introduces 'Reflections', a new initiative. This section aims to create connections across different time periods, artistic media, and contexts. The fair brings together more than 137 galleries from 27 countries.
"The appetite for Old Masters has only increased," according to Artnet’s Mid-Year Intelligence Report, even as the broader art market faces challenges.
Emanuela Tarizzo leads Frieze Masters for the first time this year. She previously exhibited at the fair as director of London’s Tomasso gallery.
Frieze Masters Leadership
Emanuela Tarizzo's appointment as director marks a new chapter for Frieze Masters. Her experience as a gallery director provides an insider's perspective, potentially shaping the fair's curatorial direction and exhibitor relations. This leadership change comes at a time when historical art segments are showing strong market interest.
Key Details for Frieze Masters
- Dates: October 15–19, 2025
- Location: The Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4LL, United Kingdom
- Participating Galleries: More than 137
- Countries Represented: 27
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair: Global African Art
The 13th edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair is taking place in London. This fair focuses on contemporary art from Africa and its global diaspora. It features over 50 international exhibitors from 13 countries.
A notable highlight is a site-specific installation by Mónica de Miranda. This installation is located in the venue's courtyard. Live performances are also scheduled throughout the fair's duration.
The Talks Programme offers several engaging discussions. One panel focuses on the pioneering Nigerian modernist Ben Enwonwu. Another conversation features photographers Jennie Baptiste and Normski. Book signings with Dennis Morris and Ekow Eshun are also part of the program.
1-54 Fair Highlights
- Dates: October 16–19, 2025
- Location: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
- Exhibitors: Over 50 from 13 countries
- Special Features: Mónica de Miranda installation, live performances, Talks Programme.
PAD London: Design and Decorative Arts
PAD London, now in its 17th edition, commenced on October 14. This fair specializes in design and decorative arts, ranging from rare historical collectibles to contemporary creations. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to discover and acquire works by both established masters and emerging talents.
This year, PAD London welcomes 11 new exhibitors. For the first time, exhibitors from the Middle East are participating, adding new perspectives to the fair's offerings. The fair concludes on October 19.
PAD London Award Winners Announced
The fair recently announced its annual prize winners. These awards recognize excellence in various categories, with recipients receiving a trophy designed by Timothy van Oorschot.
- The Booth Prize was awarded to Sceners Gallery.
- Friedman Benda received the Contemporary Design Prize for its presentation of Faye Toogood‘s 'Maquette 208 / Paper Chair' (2020).
- Laffanour / Galerie Downtown earned the Historical Design Prize. Their booth featured wood paneling architecture by Pierre Chareau, dating to approximately 1924.
About PAD London
PAD London is recognized for its curated selection of 20th-century art, design, and decorative arts. The fair's commitment to showcasing both historical and contemporary pieces makes it a significant event for collectors and enthusiasts looking for unique objects that bridge different eras and styles.
PAD London Details
- Dates: October 14–19, 2025
- Location: Berkeley Square, London W1J 6EN, United Kingdom
- New Exhibitors: 11, including first-time participants from the Middle East.
Minor Attractions: Blurring Artistic Lines
Minor Attractions is presenting its third edition at The Mandrake London. This event aims to blend contemporary art, performance, and nightlife. Despite its name, the attractions on view are significant.
This year, Minor Attractions has expanded its scope considerably. It now features a lineup of more than 70 galleries, nearly doubling its exhibition space. The fair utilizes 15 hotel rooms for its displays.
The program has also broadened to include film, sound, and performance art. This expansion reinforces the fair’s growing ambition and its momentum within London’s cultural landscape.
Minor Attractions Growth
- Dates: October 14–18, 2025
- Location: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman St, London W1T 1PG, United Kingdom
- Galleries: Over 70
- Exhibition Space: Expanded across 15 hotel rooms
- New Media: Film, sound, and performance art included.
London's art week offers a comprehensive experience for anyone interested in art. From major international fairs to niche showcases, the city provides a diverse range of artistic expressions and opportunities for engagement.