London’s cultural calendar for 2025 has a compelling new addition that should feature prominently on any traveller’s itinerary. The Wellcome Collection, just steps from Euston Station, will host ‘1880 THAT’ from 17 April to 16 November, a groundbreaking exhibition by artists Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader that explores Deaf culture and the complex relationship between sign language and spoken language.
For visitors to the capital seeking thought-provoking cultural experiences beyond the typical tourist trail, this free exhibition offers an immersive journey into communication, language, and the rarely-told history of the Deaf community’s struggle for linguistic recognition.
A Visual Feast with Depth
What makes ‘1880 THAT’ particularly appealing for visitors is its blend of visually striking installations with profound cultural commentary. The exhibition features massive inflatable arms demonstrating American Sign Language, a large hanging sculpture that visitors can feel vibrating beneath them, and brick installations that cleverly play with concepts of communication barriers.
Three new commissioned films will provide visitors with engaging visual narratives, including ‘What’s Left’, which reimagines the Sesame Street character Lefty the Salesman as a bootlegger smuggling the building blocks of language. The film features a cameo by Linda Bove, a Deaf actress and former Sesame Street cast member, adding a layer of cultural significance that fans of the beloved children’s programme will appreciate.
Practical Visitor Information
Located just a two-minute walk from Euston Station and a short stroll from King’s Cross and St. Pancras, the Wellcome Collection is ideally positioned for travellers. The exhibition is completely free to enter, with opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00 (extended to 20:00 on Thursdays).
For international visitors, the exhibition provides an extraordinary opportunity to experience British Sign Language (BSL) culture, with all works accompanied by BSL interpretation. This makes it not only an enlightening cultural experience but also a chance to observe the beautiful visual linguistics of BSL in action.
Part of a Broader London Experience
The exhibition can easily be incorporated into a day exploring the area. Visitors might start with morning coffee in the stylish Wellcome Café before viewing the exhibition, then continue to the nearby British Library or venture into the recently revitalised King’s Cross area with its canal-side dining and shopping at Coal Drops Yard.
For those interested in medical history, the exhibition complements the Wellcome Collection’s permanent displays of extraordinary historical medical artifacts, making for a full day’s exploration under one roof.
Accessibility a Priority
Travellers with accessibility requirements will find the Wellcome Collection particularly accommodating. The venue features step-free access throughout, and the exhibition itself has been designed with multiple accessibility features, including large-print guides, audio description, and tactile elements.
For visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience art that centers their perspective rather than treating it as an afterthought. BSL-interpreted tours, Deaf-led perspective tours, and relaxed openings make this one of London’s most accessible cultural offerings for 2025.
Planning Your Visit
Tourism experts recommend visiting on weekday mornings for the quietest experience. The exhibition’s seven-month run means summer holidaymakers and autumn city-breakers alike will have ample opportunity to include it in their London itineraries.
“This exhibition adds a unique dimension to London’s cultural landscape,” says tourism consultant Emma Richardson. “For visitors looking to experience something beyond the standard London attractions, ‘1880 THAT’ offers intellectual stimulation, visual excitement, and a glimpse into a culture and history that’s rarely highlighted in mainstream tourism.”
With free admission and central location, ‘1880 THAT’ is set to become one of 2025’s must-visit London attractions for culturally curious travellers.
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