RWA Announces Major 2026 Exhibition: Cosmos: the art of observing Space

The Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol is proud to announce Cosmos: the Art of Observing Space, a landmark exhibition opening on 24 January 2026 and running until 19 April 2026. 

This major exhibition explores humanity’s enduring fascination with the cosmos through an extraordinary blend of historic artefacts and contemporary artworks. Cosmos brings together works by celebrated artists including Yinka Shonibare RA, Christopher LeBrun RA, Wolfgang Tillmans and RWA Academicians, alongside compelling pieces by established and emerging artists. Visitors will experience a wide range of artistic responses to Space through painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and digital media. 

Curated by Ione Parkin RWA, Cosmos: the Art of Observing Space also features rare treasures from the archives of the Royal Astronomical Society, National Maritime Museum and other collections. Highlights include historical drawings of the moon, celestial globes, a historic meteorite, and intricate star maps, showcasing the deep interconnection between art and science in our quest to understand the universe. 

The exhibition catalogue features a foreword by Professor Chris Lintott, astrophysicist, author, and co-presenter of Sky at Night, offering rich insights into humanity’s long-standing fascination with space. Additional essays by leading contributors, including Sian Prosser, Librarian and Archivist at the Royal Astronomical Society, and Professor Amaury Triaud, University of Birmingham, further enrich the context. The catalogue will be available for purchase throughout the exhibition. 

Delivered in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society, Cosmos: the Art of Observing Space offers a unique journey through time, imagination, and inquiry—inviting visitors to experience the awe, wonder, and curiosity that the cosmos continues to inspire.  

Dr Sian Prosser, Librarian and Archivist at the Royal Astronomical Society, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with The Royal West of England Academy for what promises to be an awe-inspiring exhibition. 

"From historical star maps to sketches of the Moon, the many artefacts on display offer us a glimpse into how astronomers of the past observed the night sky, while also showcasing just how powerful the universe can be in capturing humanity's imagination." 

Dr Kathryn Johnson, RWA Head of Exhibitions, adds, “Ione Parkin RWA has brought together a dazzling range of over 100 works from the last 400 years. The exhibition is a brilliant and spectacular fusion of art and science. And although we can’t claim any inside NASA knowledge, we’re excited to be launching it in the same year as the planned Artemis II mission to Moon!”