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Spring has arrived in New York City, coinciding with
a museum scene
That’s currently flourishing. This isn’t merely a robust, vibrant cycle of rotating art exhibitions—though such shows abound. Additionally, the much-loved Upper East Side landmark, The Frick Collection, has made a joyful comeback. For the first time in half a decade, an array of artworks from the 14th through the 19th centuries hangs within its historic walls, complemented by fresh and exhilarating pieces. Regardless of whether you prefer visiting this iconic spot to satisfy your craving for classics or seeking out something modern and avant-garde, there is always something captivating throughout the city’s various neighborhoods. Continue reading for our suggestions.
Read our complete
Travel guide for New York City right here
including our collection of the
top museums in NYC
This article was revised and contains additional details not present in the initial publication.
The Metropolis Museum of Art
Through May 11, t
ravelers may delight in
Anastasia Samoylova and Walker Evans from Florida
, an exhibition featuring the works of two distinct photographers (Samoylova was born in 1984 and presently resides in)
Miami
, Evans was born in 1903 and passed away in 1975.) As many visitors can attest, Evans penned, “
Florida
“is both horrifying and delightful where I stand,” and the exhibits showcased here confront the well-known, intrinsic peculiarity that has captivated visitors and locals for many years now. Tourists might also relate to this.
Caspar David Friedrich: The Essence of Nature
, featuring around 75 of Friedrich’s artworks including the renowned
Wanderer Above the Mist.
Stand as that painting’s subject does, in brave and wondrous inspection of the unknown, and take it all in.
By August 3, however, this continues
Sargent and Paris
, a delightful journey into John Singer Sargent’s formative years in Paris, spanning his arrival in 1874 until the controversial presentation of
Madame X.
This painting graces these walls—it is a beloved fixture of the Metropolitan Museum’s permanent collection, naturally—displayed alongside detailed examinations of its preliminary drawings and other Parisian portraits. Additionally, several exhibitions featuring similar works will be open throughout the season.
The Emergence of Modern American Photography, 1839-1910
and this year’s grand Costume Institute exhibition
Superfine: Tailoring Black Style
,
The latter, which begins on May 10.
Sargent and Paris
on display until August 3
Buy tickets at GetYourGuide
The Frick Collection
Not strictly speaking an “exhibition,” more like a comprehensive museum, The Frick Collection earns its place on this list due to how uniquely intriguing both its current offerings and the historic setting have become. Since resuming operations at its original site—a Gilded Age residence previously occupied by the Fricks—the venue has emerged as essential viewing. This is thanks not just to its impressive array of European artworks but also to the exquisite renovation and extension efforts undertaken on the premises. It does feature exhibitions; presently,
Highlights from The Frick Collection’s Artwork Drawings
and
Porcelain Garden: Vladimir Kanevsky Exhibits at the Frick Collection
.
Both will be on display until August 31, 2025.
Neue Galerie
Just a few blocks north of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and across Fifth Avenue, inside an opulent mansion, you’ll find the Neue Galerie. This month, they will unveil new exhibitions that continue their commendable effort to showcase German and Austrian art from the early 1900s.
New Objectivity / Neue Sachlichkeit
Launched on February 20, this exhibition highlights the split artistic movement that arose in Germany following World War I, marking a clear shift away from the intense emotions characteristic of Expressionism. On one side were social critics known as Critical Realists, while Classicists occupied the opposite end; their contrasting viewpoints will be examined through a multimedia display along with works by artists such as Marianne Brandt, Marcel Breuer, among others.
Neue Sachlichkeit / New Objectivity
on view through May 26, 2025
Guggenheim
Filling this wondrous museum’s rotunda through January of next year are 90 works by Rashid Johnson.
A Verse for Profound Contemplators
features the modern artist’s dark soap artworks, expansive sculptures, cinematic exhibits, and additional pieces at the Upper East Side location, following the institution’s 2025 direction towards lively and brightly hopeful creations. This addition is highly appreciated.
On display until January 18, 2026
The Jewish Museum
Rembrandt van Rijn drew significant inspiration from the biblical Book of Esther during his career.
The Book of Esther During Rembrandt’s Era
examines this aspect through the lens of the artist’s work. During the 17th century, immigrant Jewish communities enjoyed considerable liberty in Amsterdam, where both Rembrandt and many others resided and created their artworks. The festive commemoration of Esther during Purim evolved into a representation of Dutch national pride. This exhibition features works by Rembrandt displayed next to pieces by his peers, along with Jewish ritual objects associated with Purim from that era. It opens on May 23rd.
Ben Shahn, On Nonconformity
A review of the influential social-realist artist and activist’s body of work, which encompasses paintings, murals, printmaking, and photography. The title reflects Shahn’s belief that nonconformity is “a vital prerequisite for meaningful art creation and profound societal transformation.” This concept serves as the core theme woven throughout the exhibition, reflecting key aspects of the artist’s career. Indeed, an apt showcase for our current era.
The Book of Esther During Rembrandt’s Era
on display until August 10, 2025
New York Historical Society
With
Real Clothes, Real Lives
,
In the meantime, both New York residents and tourists get to experience an unparalleled collection of women’s apparel gathered together—all two hundred years’ worth—in one location. This concept originally came from a book penned by artist Kiki Smith, who also assisted with organizing this exhibit. The focus here is on showcasing ordinary garments typically overlooked by museums—the sturdy house dresses worn daily, Girl Scouts uniforms, along with smart city work attire like structured business suits. However, this display goes beyond merely honoring aesthetics and practicality; it delves into sociology by examining shifts in societal roles for women over time, including the influence of racial dynamics and economic status on such transformations. Every item carries vivid narratives related not only to the individual women who once wore them but also to those behind their creation, set against specific historical backdrops.
Pets and the City
on display until April 20, 2025.
Real Clothes, Real Lives
on display until June 22, 2025.
Museum of Modern Art
The Midtown Museum of Modern Art is examining the essential influence of design on our everyday experiences.
Pirouette: Key Moments in Design
.
From Spanx and Post-it notes to symbols such as the Accessible symbol and the
I ♥️ NY logo
, you will discover what it takes to develop something that can alter the world in big and small ways. This book serves as a tribute to designers and their ability to reshape society through their innovative thinking and creative skills. Additionally, it delves into the cinematic aspects.
Rosa Barba: The Pause Within an Ocean
installation, where Barba’s film and sound design elements merge into one
series of performances
, which Barba describes as “explosive poems”—keep an eye on that schedule. In an on-the-nose (wonderfully so) piece of springtime programming,
Hilma af Klimt: What Stands Behind the Flowers
Opens on May 11 featuring Klimt’s extensive collection of sketches showcasing Sweden’s plant life. The exhibit includes more than just elegant flowers; it also presents detailed illustrations. It’s where playfulness intersects with craftsmanship.
Pirouette: Key Moments in Design
on display until October 18, 2025.
Hilma af Klint: What Lies Beyond the Blooms
on display until September 27, 2025.
The Whitney Museum of American Art
Christine Sun Kim: Throughout Day Throughout Night
offers its featured artist her initial large-scale institutional exhibition featuring drawings, site-specific murals, sculptures, and additional works. Kim focuses on musical notation, which appears throughout her work in both her native American Sign Language and written English.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime
, featuring approximately 50 of Sherald’s artworks spanning from her iconic Michelle Obama portrait to her more formative, contextualizing works.
Christine Sun Kim: Throughout Day Throughout Night
on display until July 6, 2025.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime
on display until August 10, 2025.
Gagosian
New York’s galleries frequently get less attention compared to its renowned museums, yet they often feature free exhibitions that are highly worthwhile. This holds true for Gagosian’s recently refurbished space located at 555 West 24th Street (in the Chelsea neighborhood if you’re unfamiliar with the area). The gallery is presently hosting an impressive Willem de Kooning exhibition titled
Endless Painting
.
On May 15, Cecilia Alemani will deliver a lecture about her vivid curatorial work featuring paintings and two sculptures.
Available for viewing until June 14, 2025
Moving Image Museum
Before the release of the franchise’s eighth installment—which might also be Tom Cruise’s final one—the Museum of the Moving Image is delving deeply into the archives.
Mission: Impossible
movies.
Mission: Impossible—Story and Spectacle
The focus here isn’t solely on Cruise’s radiant stardom but also on the skill and effort put into making these movies from behind the scenes. Get an inside look at costume designs, detailed explanations of complex action sequences, and much more before heading over to MoMi’s top-notch theater for a film marathon featuring his current works.
Available for viewing until December 14, 2025
Brooklyn Museum
Breaking the Mold: The Brooklyn Museum at 200
It’s nearly self-explanatory. Opening on February 28 and continuing until February 22, 2026, this exhibit will look back at more than two hundred years of its history as an organization, along with the broader artistic traditions and contributions within the borough dating back to the 17th century. The narrative encompasses Brooklyn, its museum, and the iconic Beaux-Arts structure that has been home to it for many years. Additionally, highlights include over 200 photographs.
Consuelo Kanaga: Capture the Spirit
and
Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch
wherein the titular Afro-Indigenous sculptor gets her first solo look in a major museum.
Breaking the Mold: The Brooklyn Museum at 200
on display until February 22, 2026.
New York Transit Museum
Regardless of whether they adore it or despise it, the New York subway plays a crucial role in everyday life for residents of New York City. When you visit this metropolis, make sure to ride the subway at least once to grasp how locals navigate their way through town—this experience highlights just how easy it is to move about the city. Additionally, consider taking the subway over to Brooklyn’s New York Transit Museum, which can be easily reached via the 4 and 5 lines from Borough Hall station or the A, C, and F lines from Jay Street-MetroTech.
The Subway Is…
in celebration of our metro’s 120th birthday. It does this with several artifacts, photographs, and multimedia installations that highlight the subway’s long life since its opening October 27, 1904. Through October 26, there is also
Comments on the Journey: A Hundred Years
The New Yorker’
s Transportation Cartoons
as part of that magazine’s 100th birthday celebration. The chosen collection includes cartoons and covers created by 57 artists who have worked for the publication throughout this period and drew their inspiration from the city’s mass transit system.
No close date announced
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