Art enthusiasts planning a London trip for autumn 2025 should mark their calendars for a significant cultural event at the National Gallery. “Millet: Life on the Land,” the first UK exhibition dedicated to Jean-François Millet in nearly 50 years, will offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the French master’s powerful depictions of rural life.
The exhibition, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Millet’s death, brings together approximately 15 exceptional paintings and drawings, primarily from British public collections. For travelers interested in 19th-century art, this presents a perfect addition to any London itinerary.
The undoubted highlight will be the extraordinary loan of “L’Angélus” (1857-59) from Paris’s Musée d’Orsay—a painting that became one of the world’s most recognizable artworks and famously captivated Salvador Dalí. This alone makes the exhibition worthy of a special journey to Trafalgar Square.
“Millet endowed rural labourers with dignity and nobility, depicting them in drawings and paintings with empathy and compassion,” explains Sarah Herring, Associate Curator of Post 1800 Paintings, describing what visitors can expect to discover.
The exhibition will be organized thematically, beginning with Millet’s depictions of woodcutting and sowing, including “The Sower” from Cardiff and “The Wood Sawyers” from the V&A. Visitors will also see the National Gallery’s own “The Winnower,” which was well-received at the 1848 Paris Salon.
Other sections focus on women at work, featuring “The Goose Girl” from Cardiff and “The Milkmaid” from Birmingham’s Barber Institute. The exhibition culminates with depictions of wood gathering, an activity typically performed by society’s most vulnerable members.
For travelers planning ahead, the National Gallery’s central location in Trafalgar Square makes it easily accessible via public transport. Charing Cross and Leicester Square stations are just minutes away, and the area offers numerous dining options for pre or post-exhibition refreshments.
As one of London’s premier cultural venues, visitors should consider combining their exhibition visit with exploration of the National Gallery’s permanent collection, which houses masterpieces spanning seven centuries of European art.
While autumn in London brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, it’s an ideal time to enjoy the city’s indoor cultural attractions with fewer summer crowds. Visitors might also combine their gallery visit with a stroll through nearby St. James’s Park to enjoy the autumn colors.
Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking to enrich your London experience with a culturally significant exhibition, “Millet: Life on the Land” promises to be one of the capital’s cultural highlights for autumn 2025.
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