David Hockney's Opera Sets Come to Life at Tate Modern

Turbine Hall to be transformed into immersive opera experience for artist's 90th birthday celebration

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:38am

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering, fractured glass reflecting dramatic studio lighting, conveying the conceptual fusion of opera and pop art.Tate Modern's upcoming exhibition will bring David Hockney's bold, glamorous opera set designs to life through an immersive, high-art experience.Boston Today

Tate Modern's Turbine Hall will undergo a dramatic transformation, becoming an immersive opera house for a special exhibition featuring the opera sets designed by renowned artist David Hockney. The exhibition will showcase Hockney's 11 opera sets created over 17 years, celebrating the artist's versatility and his exploration of new artistic horizons. The Turbine Hall will become a hub of artistic exploration, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Why it matters

This exhibition marks a fascinating intersection of art and performance, highlighting Hockney's ability to venture into set design for opera and create a unique pop-art aesthetic. It also showcases Tate Modern's commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and culture, providing visitors with diverse and innovative artistic experiences.

The details

The upcoming season at Tate Britain and Tate Modern will feature a range of exhibitions, including a retrospective of Sonia Boyce's work, an Edvard Munch show, and a first-ever Monet exhibition. The Turbine Hall will become a hub of artistic exploration, offering visitors a chance to experience Hockney's opera sets in an immersive setting.

  • The exhibition will open in 2027, coinciding with David Hockney's 90th birthday.

The players

David Hockney

A renowned British artist known for his landscapes and portraits, who has also ventured into set design for opera, creating a pop-art aesthetic for Richard Strauss' 'Die Frau ohne Schatten'.

Tate Modern

The renowned art gallery in London that will be hosting the exhibition featuring David Hockney's opera sets, as part of its upcoming season showcasing a diverse range of artistic experiences.

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The takeaway

This exhibition at Tate Modern highlights the versatility of David Hockney as an artist, showcasing his ability to venture into new mediums and create innovative, immersive experiences for visitors. It also underscores Tate Modern's commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and culture, providing a diverse range of artistic experiences for its audience.