Arts/Culture: Pulse: Cultural Calendar: London

Cultural Calendar: London

If you’re visiting London this spring, don’t miss the following cultural highlights:

IN THE MUSEUMS

“Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008” is on at the National Portrait Gallery (npg.org.uk) until May 26. Sitters range from Claude Monet and Amelia Earhart to Tom Cruise and a pregnant Demi Moore. This show captures not only 95 years of cultural icons, but also illustrates the work of Cecil Beaton, Man Ray, Edward Steichen, Herb Ritts, Annie Leibovitz and other world-class photographers.

“The American Scene” is showing at the British Museum (britishmuseum.org) featuring such notable artists as Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper, Alexander Calder and David Smith from April 10th. 150 top notch prints are on display from 74 leading modern American artists in the first half of the 20th century.

The first major British exhibition of photographs by the late Linda McCartney are being shown at the James Hyman Gallery in St James (+44-207-494-3857; www.jameshymanfineart.com) from 24 April.

Tate Modern has commissioned American artist Alison Knowles to prepare a humungous salad – dress it, mix it and serve it to 300 people on the 24 of May. Set to Mozart, this giant cooking display takes interactive art to a culinary peak.

Tate Liverpool (tate.org.uk) is hosting the UK’s biggest-ever Gustav Klimt exhibition from May 30. From Salome to the Golden Knight, some of the most important paintings of Klimt’s career will be on show.

AT THE GALLERIES

The Saatchi Gallery (saatchi-gallery.co.uk) has moved to Chelsea and is slated to open its new 70,000 square foot space off the Kings Road in June. One of the largest contemporary art spaces around, the new gallery will open with a show on contemporary Chinese art.

Cutting edge architect David Adjaye has expanded into sculpture-like furniture, with his Monoform Series. The Albion Gallery (albion-gallery.com) in Battersea is showing these four limited edition pieces in either granite or solid walnut, selling for a modest £30,000 an object.

ON STAGE

Ralph Fiennes and Tamsin Greig star in “God of Carnage” at the Gielgud Theatre (www.godofcarnage.com). Written by Yasmina Reza, known for her “Art” hit. Until June 14.

Judi Dench is performing in Madame de Sade at the Wyndham Theatre (www.donmarwestend.com). Told through the eyes of six remarkable women, this poetic masterpiece is directed by Michael Grandage.

And Rhett and Scarlett are giving a damn on stage. Trevor Nunn is taking the Civil War epic love story to the London Theatre (www.gwtwthemusical.com) on Drury Lane from April 5.

And for those who missed Joan Didion’s “Year of Magical Thinking” on Broadway, it’s coming to the National’s Lyttelton Theatre (www.theatremonkey.com), again starring Vanessa Redgrave. From 25 April.