An exciting summer of major exhibitions and other cultural moments across London is being put up in lights in the heart of the West End by BusinessLDN’s Culture Council, in partnership with Landsec.
Members of the council – which brings together leading private sector businesses and cultural institutions from across the capital – will takeover the iconic Piccadilly Lights, one of the most iconic digital landmarks in the world.
The National Portrait Gallery’s Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait exhibition to mark the Hollywood star’s 100th birthday appeared on the Piccadilly Lights today (1 June). This will be followed by exhibitions from the Saatchi Gallery on the summer solstice – The Sun and The Moon – and Tate Modern on the life and legacy of revolutionary artist Frida Kahlo being showcased on the big screen in the coming weeks. The Science Museum also recently celebrated the 35th anniversary of the first British astronaut to go into space – Helen Sharman – on the lights.
London’s leading business campaign group BusinessLDN launched the Culture Council to promote the role that the sector plays in the capital’s economic success, including through attracting visitors to the UK and driving growth. The capital’s culture and creative industries contribute £64bn to the wider UK economy each year and accounts for one in five jobs in the capital. Earlier this month, the capital was named the number one city for culture in Time Out’s Best Cities for Culture 2026.
James Ainscough OBE, Chair of BusinessLDN’s Culture Council and Chief Executive at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “London is the greatest city in the world and culture is a huge selling point. That’s why I’m delighted we’re showcasing some of the capital’s most exciting exhibitions on the iconic Piccadilly Lights. Strengthening partnerships between businesses and cultural institutions such as this is at the heart of the Culture Council’s mission to ensure London remains an attractive place to live, work and visit.”
The Council’s members include many of the world’s top galleries, museums and venues, as well as leading firms in the built environment, transport, education, and consultancy sectors. Members include the Barbican, National Gallery, The Design Museum, Heathrow, University College London and PwC. Among its priorities for the coming year include making the case for corporate sponsorship of the arts and making the case for London’s role in the UK’s cultural ecosystem.
The Piccadilly Lights takeover was made possible by owner Landsec – also a member of the Culture Council – which aim to support significant cultural moments through displays on the lights.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “London is the culture capital of the world and this summer there is so much for Londoners and visitors to enjoy. From celebrating Marilyn Monroe at the National Portrait Gallery to Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern, it’s great to see this wonderful range of exhibitions celebrated on the renowned Piccadilly Lights by BusinessLDN. Great art and culture is central to our success and helps us build a better London for everyone.”
Kate Honey, Social Impact Director at Landsec, said: “Piccadilly Lights continues to play a crucial role in creating shared memories and bringing people together at key moments in London’s cultural calendar. London’s culture is unmatched, we’re delighted to be able to bring a snapshot of what’s in store this summer to an even wider audience through the Piccadilly Lights.”