London’s most well-known cultural institutions are coming together in a new initiative to promote the capital’s exceptional autumn season, as forecasts show over two million tourists are expected to visit a collection of blockbuster exhibitions and events taking place throughout the city.

The stellar line-up of shows and exhibitions taking place in the autumn includes Turner at Tate Britain, Anselm Kiefer at the Royal Academy and Ming: 50 years that changed China, a major exhibition covering the Ming Dynasty reign at the British Museum. The Museum of London will host a major exhibition on Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous fictional detective, recreating the atmosphere of Sherlock’s London through film, photographs and original artefacts.

London remains the undisputed theatre capital of the world and this autumn will see a range of excellent theatrical offerings from new British based shows such as Made in Dagenham starring Gemma Arterton and the story of The Kinks rise to stardom in Sunny Afternoon.

To maintain London’s position as the most visited capital city on earth and highlight the spectacular season ahead, London & Partners – the Mayor’s official promotional company for the capital – and the GREAT Britain campaign have produced a short film previewing the Autumn Season in London. Narrated by the respected British actor David Harewood MBE, the film highlights the key artistic, literary and theatrical events available across the capital and the great historical treasures that domestic and international visitors can enjoy.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This autumn’s outstanding programme of exhibitions, plays and shows is another great reason to put London at the top of your list of places to visit. Throughout the year, the capital offers an unbeatable variety of arts and culture, attracting people in their millions from around the world. It is a fabulous success story, which we want to build on, and we are developing a plan aimed at maximising the potential of the full range of cultural activity to be found throughout our city.”

David Harewood MBE, said: “As someone with strong connections to London’s cultural scene, I am delighted to support this campaign. Our vibrant city is building on centuries of history to create new exhibitions, shows and events that are truly inspiring and will draw people from across the UK and all over the world to the capital. It is vital that we continue to showcase London’s fantastic offer so that as many people as possible are moved to come and be stimulated by our city’s culture.”

The London in Autumn is GREAT film