Joe Lycett's First Major Solo Art Exhibition at Birmingham Museum

Comedian Joe Lycett is set to unveil his first major solo art exhibition, titled *EVERYTHING MUST GO*, at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. This mixed media exhibition will explore the theme of "things that are no longer with us," drawing inspiration from various objects within the museum's collection. The exhibition will feature a range of subjects, including deceased celebrities, discontinued chocolate bars, extinct animals, and destroyed buildings, all presented in Lycett's characteristic tongue-in-cheek and childlike style. General admission to the exhibition will be free.

Joe Lycett to Launch Major Solo Exhibition in BirminghamJoe Lycett to showcase artwork via Birmingham exhibitionBBC NewsJoe Lycett has created a ‘neon graveyard’ with his first major solo exhibition in Birmingham this July — and it’s FREE to enter

Lycett aims to create an immersive experience, describing his vision as a "neon graveyard" intended to "overwhelm, delight and confuse gallery-goers." He emphasizes that visitors can expect "colourful and silly depictions of loads of dead stuff." The exhibition will reflect on themes of nostalgia, grief, and loss, showcasing dozens of never-before-seen pieces that highlight memory and cultural change through humor and a distinctly Brummie perspective.

Joe Lycett to Launch Major Solo Exhibition in Birmingham

Previously, Joe Lycett exhibited his painting *The Mona Lisa Scott-Lee*, featuring pop star Lisa Scott-Lee, at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in late 2024 and early 2025. His work has also been displayed in notable venues such as the Royal Academy of Arts, National Portrait Gallery, and Manchester Art Gallery. However, *EVERYTHING MUST GO* marks his first significant solo exhibition, showcasing his evolution as an artist beyond his comedic roots.

Joe Lycett has created a ‘neon graveyard’ with his first major solo exhibition in Birmingham this July — and it’s FREE to enterJoe Lycett to showcase artwork via Birmingham exhibitionJoe Lycett to Launch Major Solo Exhibition in BirminghamBBC News

Lycett expressed his excitement about the exhibition, stating, "I'm honoured and delighted to be exhibiting in the superb Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, right in the centre of the best city in the world." Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, echoed this sentiment, stating, "His unique artistic style, combined with his deep connection to Birmingham, makes this a truly special project." They anticipate that the exhibition will be "visually spectacular, thought-provoking and full of personality."

BBC NewsJoe Lycett to Launch Major Solo Exhibition in BirminghamJoe Lycett has created a ‘neon graveyard’ with his first major solo exhibition in Birmingham this July — and it’s FREE to enterJoe Lycett to showcase artwork via Birmingham exhibition

While the exhibition has garnered enthusiasm, some critics may question the artistic merit of a comedian transitioning to visual art. However, no specific dissenting voices have been reported regarding this exhibition at this time.

Joe Lycett to Launch Major Solo Exhibition in Birmingham

As the opening date approaches, the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is preparing for what is expected to be a significant cultural event in the city. The exhibition aims to attract a diverse audience, blending humor with poignant reflections on loss and memory.

Joe Lycett has created a ‘neon graveyard’ with his first major solo exhibition in Birmingham this July — and it’s FREE to enter

• “I'm hoping to create a sort of neon graveyard which will overwhelm, delight and confuse gallery-goers.” — Joe Lycett, Comedian and Artist

BBC News

• “His unique artistic style, combined with his deep connection to Birmingham, makes this a truly special project.” — Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Co-Chief Executives of Birmingham Museums Trust

Joe Lycett to showcase artwork via Birmingham exhibition