Famous names in art, literature and music dominate the cultural events coming up in London in early 2005. Three great European artists of the 19th century are united in an exhibition at Tate Britain (Feb 10-May 15).

Turner Whistler Monet features 100 paintings, watercolours, prints and pastels which trace the way the course of landscape painting was changed by these artists (admission £10). Tate Britain also celebrates sculptor Anthony Caro with an exhibition surveying 50 years of his work, to include his abstract steel works (Jan 26-April 17, admission £7.50). Open daily, tel: 020 7887 8008. Website: www.tate.org.uk.

For first time in one exhibition, the National Gallery brings together thorough evaluations of Edgar Degas's techniques. Art in the Making: Degas -open until Jan. 30 - examines the artist's methods by revealing what lies beneath familiar paintings. Open daily, admission free, tel: 020 7747 2885. Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk.

Henry VIII's handwritten notes on his divorce settlement, records of Karl Marx's role as shareholder in a London newspaper; and proof that rock star Elton John started life as Reginald Dwight can be seen at the National Archives' new exhibition in Kew: Movers and Shakers: Geoffrey Chaucer to Elton John, Dec. 6 - May 31. Open daily except Sun., admission free, tel: 020 8876 3444. Website: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk.

From January, the Saatchi Gallery will present its 20th anniversary exhibition - The Triumph of Painting - surveying some of the most influential international painters. Martin Kippenberger, Peter Doig and Marlene Dumas will be showcased in galleries re-designed for large scale paintings. Open daily, adults £8.75, tel: 020 7928 8195. Website: www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk.

For the first time since his death in 1954, a collection of fabrics by Matisse will be the subject of an exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. Matisse, his Art and his Textiles:The Fabric of Dreams (March 5-May 30) will include traditional French fabrics, Persian carpets and Moroccan embroideries along with relevant paintings and drawings. Open daily, adults £8, tel: 0870 126 0268. Website: www.royalacademy.org.uk.