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The Coming of Age

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Coming soon
  • Free
  • Exhibition
A series of steps arc in the shape of a bridge. A couple ascends the steps and grow in age as they do, reaching peak health and vitality at the top of the bridge. As they descend their ageing continues until they are old and frail.

‘The Coming of Age’ explores experiences and perceptions of ageing, from adolescence to later life, and asks how societies can adapt for us all to age better.

Across the globe, people are living longer. One in ten children in the UK are expected to live beyond the age of 100. But who gets to live longer and ‘age well’? This exhibition explores how experiences of age are shaped by our environment, culture and society.

‘The Coming of Age’ features more than 120 artworks and objects, including historical artefacts and works by contemporary artists including John Coplans, Serena Korda, Suzanne Lacy, Rory Pilgrim, Paula Rego, Deborah Roberts and more.

Bringing together different perspectives from art, science and popular culture, this exhibition challenges assumptions about life stages and asks what greater longevity means for all of us.

Visit us

Opening on 26 March 2026

Free admission

Galleries open Tuesday–Sunday, Opening times

Gallery 1, level 0

Step-free access is available to all floors of the building

British Sign Language videos are available

Access resources include a visual story, large print guides and audio description

Access resources

When you're here

Resources designed to support your visit are available online and in the gallery.

BSL, transcripts and induction loops
  • BSL content is available in the gallery
  • Transcripts of all audiovisual content are available in the gallery
  • All videos are subtitled
  • There are fixed induction loops in the building and portable induction loops available to borrow
Audio description and visual access
  • A large-print guide and magnifiers are available in the gallery
  • There is a tactile line on the gallery floor
Wheelchair and physical access
  • Step-free access is available to all floors of the building
  • We have a Changing Places toilet on level 0 and accessible toilets on all floors
Sensory access
  • A visual story with a sensory map is available in the building at the start of the exhibition
  • You can borrow tinted glasses, tinted visors, ear defenders and weighted lap pads. Please speak to a member of staff in the building
  • Weekday mornings and Thursday evenings are usually the quietest times to visit

Access information, tours and queries

Visit our accessibility page
access@wellcomecollection.org