BBC Radio Cambridgeshire interview
Listen to Sally Clark discussing David Hockney: Beneath the Surface on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
MODO presents Beneath the Surface, a major summer exhibition celebrating the life and work of David Hockney through his iconic swimming pool images, while exploring the enduring questions of perception, perspective, and ways of seeing that defined his career.
Please note the exhibition has moved to our London gallery in Picadilly Arcade.
Alongside works from The Arrival of Spring in Normandy, visitors will encounter a playful and contemporary environment inspired by one of the most recognisable themes within Hockney's practice. Through installation, atmosphere and unexpected moments of discovery, Beneath the Surface invites visitors to look again at works that have become part of our collective visual culture.
Visit the Exhibition
Following its Cambridge presentation, David Hockney: Beneath the Surface will relocate to MODO's London gallery in Piccadilly Arcade bringing the immersive exhibition to a new audience.
As part of the exhibition, MODO's Media Room presents In Memoriam, a short film reflecting on David Hockney's life, influence and enduring contribution to the way we see the world. Presented alongside the exhibition, the film offers a moment to pause, reflect and consider the questions that remained central to Hockney's work throughout his life: how we look, how we perceive and how meaning is created through seeing.
"David Hockney spent a lifetime encouraging us to look more closely at the world around us. Beneath the Surface is an invitation to do exactly that. We hope visitors leave not only having enjoyed the work, but having discovered something new in the act of looking itself."
— Sally Clark, The Hockney Gallery Ltd (MODO / Pentimento / Art & Culture Education CIC)
Every ticket sold supports Art & Culture Education CIC (ACE CIC), with 100% of ticket proceeds donated directly to the charity. Proceeds support ACE CIC's work challenging the marginalisation of art within education and promoting art as a vital form of human thinking, perception, and innovation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN DOES THE EXHIBITION OPEN?
The exhibition opened on 1 July 2026 and runs throughout Summer 2026 before transferring to MODO's London gallery in September 2026. It has become one of the key cultural experiences in Cambridge for visitors interested in art, design and immersive exhibitions.
WHERE IS MODO CAMBRIDGE?
MODO is located in the heart of Cambridge and hosts exclusively David Hockney artworks. Full address, travel directions and visitor information are available here.
IS THERE AN ADMISSION CHARGE?
Throughout Summer, the exhibition is ticketed to provide visitors access to the exhibition at its fullest presentation. All ticket proceeds are donated to Art & Culture Education CIC (ACE CIC).
WHY HAS THE EXHIBITION CHANGED?
MODO is a commercial gallery and many of the original David Hockney works featured in the exhibition have now been acquired by collectors. As these works are prepared for delivery, the display of artworks will naturally evolve.
Visitors can still experience the immersive Pool Room, the Media Room featuring In Memoriam, The Arrival of Spring in Normandy panoramic installation and the wider exhibition exploring David Hockney's lifelong fascination with light, perception and the act of seeing.
IS THIS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EXHIBITION?
Yes. The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages and includes immersive environments, visual installations and accessible interpretation that encourages curiosity and engagement.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
HOW LONG DOES A VISIT TAKE?
Most visitors spend between 45 and 60 minutes exploring the exhibition, although guests are welcome to stay longer and revisit different elements at their own pace.
IS THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING IN NORMANDY INCLUDED?
Yes. Visitors can experience The Arrival of Spring in Normandy alongside Beneath the Surface, including MODO's panoramic A Year in Normandy installation.
WHAT IS IN MEMORIAM?
In Memoriam is a short film shown in MODO's Media Room reflecting on David Hockney's life, influence and artistic legacy. It encourages visitors to think about perception, memory and the act of seeing.
CAN I TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS?
Photography policies may vary throughout the exhibition. Please check with gallery staff on arrival for the latest guidance.
DOES THE EXHIBITION SUPPORT A CHARITY?
Yes.
From July-August 2026, 100% of ticket proceeds were donated to Art & Culture Education CIC (ACE CIC).
Every contribution helps ACE CIC continue its work promoting creativity, visual thinking, cultural participation and the importance of art within education.
WILL THE EXHIBITION CONTINUE AFTER CAMBRIDGE?
Yes. Following its successful Cambridge presentation, David Hockney: Beneath the Surface will relocate to MODO's London gallery in Piccadilly Arcade from September 2026, where the exhibition will continue with its immersive installations and programme. For more information please get in touch.
