Upcoming Must-See Art Exhibitions of 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
As May 2025 approaches, the art world is buzzing with anticipation for a multitude of exhibitions that promise to captivate audiences. From New York to San Francisco, several galleries and museums are hosting shows that spotlight innovative artists, exciting installations, and thought-provoking themes. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most anticipated exhibitions you won’t want to miss.
Innovative Displays at Major Institutions
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is set to launch an intriguing exhibition titled “Pirouette: Turning Points in Design,” running from January 26 to October 18. The exhibition will spotlight iconic designs from the last century and beyond. From the Apple Macintosh to everyday household items, MoMA emphasizes how design acts as a catalyst for societal change. Paola Antonelli, the senior curator, notes that these objects not only reflect human ingenuity but also challenge us to rethink our behaviors around sustainability and justice.
Across the continent, ICA San Francisco has opened Masako Miki’s mesmerizing exhibition based on the traditional Shinto folktale Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons). This exhibition sees the blending of the spiritual and material worlds through bronze and felted creatures that challenge the boundaries of abstraction and animism. Curator Meghan Smith describes these world-building installations as “a quiet protest” that brings viewers into a dialogue about cultural identity and emotional resonance.
Groundbreaking Solo Shows from Iconic Artists
In a remarkable retrospective at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, renowned photographer Wolfgang Tillmans will present his seminal exhibition “Nothing could have prepared us – Everything could have prepared us.” This monumental survey opens on June 13 and runs until September 22, making it the final display before the museum goes under a lengthy renovation. Tillmans’ works will traverse his 35-year career, challenging traditional notions of documentary photography and inviting audiences to ponder the intersection of art and social comment.
Meanwhile, George Condo will explore the nuances of consciousness in his exhibition titled “Pastels,” split across Hauser & Wirth galleries in both SoHo and the Upper East Side. Running from January 16 to March 1 and January 29 to April 12, respectively, the exhibit reveals Condo’s improvisational approach to art-making, characterized by abstract forms and a dynamic palette. Each piece provides insight into the complexities of human experience, including mental states and perceptual shifts.
Emotional Engagement Through Innovative Formats
Contemporary artist Jill Magid is using her art to tackle political themes in her exhibition “Heart of a Citizen,” which takes place at Various Small Fires in Los Angeles. This unique blend of artistic practice and political commentary unfolds within Kim Varet’s gallery, turning it into a campaign headquarters ahead of her run for Congress. The centerpiece, titled The Platform, serves both as a literal stage for political dialogue and an art piece that questions the relationship between art and activism.
In London, Grace Prince will showcase her exploration of fragility in her work titled “Held Absence,” a collection of innovative furniture pieces that straddle the line between art and design. Exhibited at Béton Brut, the artist’s designs reflect a deep respect for craftsmanship while challenging conventional notions of stability and beauty. Her ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with both art and functionality.
Engaging Cultural Narratives Through Various Mediums
The upcoming exhibition at the Modern Art Museum Shanghai, titled “Divas”, showcases the work of Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli. Through embroidery and gemstone embellishments, Vezzoli pays homage to legendary cinematic figures, while simultaneously critiquing the superficial glamor surrounding them. Running from March 30 to June 2, this exhibition invites viewers to delve deeper into the emotional narratives that often lie behind the celebration of stardom.
Barkley L. Hendricks continues this exploration of identity at the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York with his exhibit inspired by Afrofuturism. “Space is the Place” infuses contemporary artwork with celestial imagery, creating a dialogue about Black existence that transcends historical hardships. The exhibition will be available for viewing from January 9 to February 22 and promises to elevate discussions around race and resilience in today’s world.
Community and Inclusivity at the Forefront
The Calder Gardens, set to open in Philadelphia in September 2025, will serve as a cultural destination where art, environment, and community converge. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the garden intends to create an inclusive space for artistic expression, with programming that encourages public engagement. This innovative venue will also host rotating exhibits curated by the Calder Foundation, further underlining the importance of community in the arts.
In their personal exhibition titled “If You Can See My Thoughts, You Would See Your Faces,” photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis explores themes of memory and identity through a blend of photography, textiles, and film. By elevating everyday moments alongside significant life events, Jarvis aims to create a space for shared experiences and connections. This show is on view at Anthony Gallery in Chicago from March 16 to April 12, further emphasizing the role of storytelling in art.
As 2025 unfolds, art lovers will find no shortage of compelling exhibitions across major cities. From installations that provoke thought to pieces that invite emotional engagement, each show offers a unique perspective on the world around us. Whether you are near or far, this is a year to immerse yourself in the transformative power of art.
For more information about exhibitions and updates in the world of art, don’t forget to check local galleries and major museum websites. Your next cultural adventure awaits!
