Art exhibitions are windows to creativity, culture, history, and innovation—bringing artists and audiences together in inspiring encounters. In 2025, museums and galleries around the world have curated a stunning lineup of exhibitions that celebrate everything from groundbreaking contemporary visions to timeless masterpieces. Whether you’re an art aficionado, cultural traveler, or casual museum-goer, these must-see shows unlock fresh perspectives and provoke meaningful reflection.
This detailed guide highlights standout art exhibitions globally in 2025, offering a roadmap to where and what to experience for artistic enrichment.
What Makes an Art Exhibition a Must-See?
Top exhibitions share essential qualities:
- Showcase of celebrated or emerging artists whose work pushes boundaries.
- Thematic storytelling that connects art with socio-political, historical, or cultural narratives.
- Immersive and well-curated displays offering emotional and intellectual impact.
- Opportunities for interactive or multimedia engagement.
- Accompanied by talks, workshops, and events deepening appreciation.
Must-See International Art Exhibitions in 2025
1. Jessica Vaughn: Cognitive Fatigue
New York, USA
Exploring themes of automation, labor, and systemic fatigue, Vaughn’s solo exhibition features installations that question the modern world’s mechanizations. Her work Plenum (2025) creatively employs medical devices to symbolize human exhaustion.
2. Corpo de Prova
São Paulo, Brazil
Curated to examine materiality and the human form, this show brings together sculptors Claudio Cretti, Manuel Brandazza, and Raphaela Melsohn. Their experimental use of textiles, ceramics, and assemblages creates compelling, fragile interpretations of body and object.
3. “Doll House: A Retrospective” by Kaari Upson
Humlebaek, Denmark
This expansive retrospective dives deep into Upson’s visceral pieces, blending body parts and fantasy. It’s an unsettling yet captivating look at memory, identity, and the human psyche.
4. Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting
London, UK
The first major UK retrospective of Saville’s pioneering figurative art traces her impactful career, famous for raw, life-sized depictions of the human form exhibiting raw vulnerability and power.
Noteworthy Museum Exhibitions to See in North America in 2025
5. Light: Visionary Perspectives
Toronto, Canada
At the Aga Khan Museum, this celebration of light features transformative installations by renowned contemporary artists. The exhibition explores light’s sculptural and sensory potential.
6. Gabriel Orozco: Politécnico Nacional
Mexico City, Mexico
Orozco’s first major Mexico City exhibition since 2006 showcases his longstanding focus on geometry, materiality, and spontaneity through a vast array of works including photography, sculpture, and assemblage.
7. Caspar David Friedrich Retrospective
New York, USA
A landmark exhibition honoring this Romanticism master’s contemplative landscapes and spiritual naturalism, offering fresh insights into his enduring influence.
Important Exhibitions Across Europe in 2025
8. Anselm Kiefer and Surrealist Retrospectives
London, UK
Shows at Tate Modern and Hayward Gallery spotlight transformative works by Kiefer, segued with celebrations of Surrealism and contemporary female artists historically overlooked.
9. East Storehouse at the V&A
London
A new immersive archive experience exploring art, fashion, and design history, highlighting 100 years of cultural evolution.
Asia’s Emerging Art Scenes
10. Art Mumbai 2025
Mumbai, India
India’s premier art fair returns, blending contemporary national and international artists. Noteworthy works include striking sculptures and eclectic installations, positioning Mumbai as a vibrant art nexus.
11. The Wondering and Wandering Mind by Haneen Almoosawi
Delhi, India
This solo show explores memory and feeling through textile art, resin, and light, bringing a quiet yet impactful voice to contemporary South Asian art.
Must-See Exhibitions in Australia and Beyond
12. Glass Sculpture Displays
Various Australian Galleries
Celebrating exquisite craftsmanship and innovative glass art practices, these exhibitions explore transparency, light, and fluid form.
13. Digital Sea Explorations
Norway
Blending tech and natural imagery, this exhibition offers interactive and virtual reality experiences inspired by the ocean’s mystery and power.
Tips for Maximizing Your Art Exhibition Visits
- Plan Ahead: Reserve tickets to popular exhibitions to avoid sold-out dates.
- Engage Deeply: Attend talks, workshops, and guided tours to gain richer understanding.
- Document Thoughtfully: Capture details through sketching or notes rather than just photos.
- Visit Multiple Venues: Map exhibitions within a locale to create a thematic day.
- Respect the Space: Observe museum etiquette and preservation practices to protect artworks.
Conclusion: Experience Art That Transforms
The must-see art exhibitions of 2025 provide thrilling opportunities to engage with creativity, challenge perspectives, and celebrate human expression. From contemporary provocateurs like Jessica Vaughn to timeless masters like Caspar David Friedrich, these shows span continents and styles, inviting all to witness art’s profound power.
Plan your cultural itinerary to explore these landmark exhibitions and broaden your artistic horizons.