From huge galleries to historic museums, Kent is a treasure trove of eye-catching art.

This February, three fascinating exhibitions will open their doors for visitors to explore abstract art, thought-provoking photographs and nostalgic childhood toys…

TURNER CONTEMPORARY, Margate

Beyond Form: Lines of Abstraction, 1950 - 1970

Curated by Dr Flavia Frigeri and featuring the work of more than 50 women across the world, this huge new art exhibition will launch Turner Contemporary’s 2024 season.

Beyond Form: Lines of Abstraction is a group exhibition that explores work from female artists in the 20 years following the Second World War. The pieces, made from abstract materials, show how women pushed the boundaries of social and political change during the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s through art.

“What makes Beyond Form unique is connecting artists from across the globe through radical abstraction,” says Flavia. “We see a collection of artists who, at a surface level, are working in disparate locations, but are connected by a universal desire to express their personal, cultural, and political perspectives in ways that subvert the canon of the time.”

The exhibition includes more than 80 artworks from creators such as Mária Bartuszová, Louise Bourgeois, Eva Hesse, Hannah Wilke, Carla Accardi, Marta Pan, Maria Teresa Chojnacka, Ewa Pachucka, Lenore Tawney and more.

Details: Saturday, February 3 to Monday, May 6 at Turner Contemporary in Margate. The exhibition is free to enter.

THE AMELIA SCOTT, Tunbridge Wells

Being Inbetween

This exhibition from award-winning photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn has been six years and 90 photographs in the making.

Being Inbetween is a display inspired by Carolyn’s personal experience with growing up and shows the transition from childhood to young adulthood. The portraits capture the changes that girls aged between 10 and 12 go through.

Each girl featured in the photos has been able to create their own aesthetic for the portrait to reflect their personal dreams, hopes and fears. The display features 90 photographs, many of which have never been exhibited before.

Carolyn, who worked collaboratively with each girl, incorporates themes such as social media, advertising and ‘tween’ culture into the exhibition.

Details: Friday, February 9 to Sunday, June 6 at the Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells. The exhibition is free to enter.

THE BEANEY HOUSE OF ART AND KNOWLEDGE, Canterbury

Mischief at the Museum: 50 Years of Bagpuss

One of TV’s most beloved characters is celebrating its 50th anniversary - and it all began right here in Kent.

Bagpuss was filmed in the barn of co-creater Peter Firmin in Blean, just outside of Canterbury, and made his first on screen appearance in February 1974. Now, the cuddly cat is returning to his hometown with an interactive exhibition.

The Mischief at the Museum: 50 Years of Bagpuss trail also features childhood favourites such as the Clangers, Noggin and the Nog and other characters from Smallfilms, the Kent-based production company behind the shows.

Visitors can admire these nostalgic characters, see TV props, follow the trail and solve puzzles along the way. You can even say hello to Bagpuss himself as the original puppet is on display at the museum.

Details: Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, April 14 at The Beaney in Canterbury. The exhibition is free to enter, but it costs £5 to take part in the interactive trail.