In 2025, art and history enthusiasts have an extraordinary lineup of global exhibitions to explore. From retrospectives of renowned artists like Ruth Asawa and Yayoi Kusama to groundbreaking showcases of Indigenous Australian art and migration stories, these events celebrate human creativity and heritage. Here's a quick glimpse at the highlights:
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Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective (SFMOMA, April 5) – Over 300 works from the Japanese American artist's six-decade career.
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The Stars We Do Not See (National Gallery of Art, October 18) – The largest international exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
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Picasso for Asia: A Conversation (M+ Museum, March 15–July 13) – Picasso's work reinterpreted through Asian artistic traditions.
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Yayoi Kusama: Grand Retrospective (Tate Modern, February–September) – Featuring her iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms and early works.
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Fenix Museum of Migration (Rotterdam, opening May 16) – A deep dive into global migration stories with interactive exhibits.
These exhibitions not only showcase diverse artistic traditions but also spark meaningful conversations about identity, history, and cultural exchange. Whether in person or through digital platforms, they offer unique opportunities to connect with art and heritage.
M+ Museum's Exciting 2025 Lineup Unveiled!
1. Ruth Asawa: A Retrospective
SFMOMA is set to host the first large-scale museum retrospective of Ruth Asawa's work, opening on April 5, 2025. This exhibition brings together over 300 pieces from the Japanese American artist's six-decade career, offering a rare opportunity to explore her artistic journey in depth [1].
Spanning 14,000 square feet on SFMOMA's fourth floor, the exhibition provides a detailed look at Asawa's evolution as an artist. Visitors can experience her iconic looped-wire sculptures alongside lesser-known works, including drawings, prints, and paintings [1].
One highlight is a recreation of Asawa's Noe Valley home, complete with her hand-carved redwood doors. This intimate setup offers a closer look at her creative environment and process [1]. The exhibit also features works by her contemporaries, showcasing the artistic exchanges that influenced her and shaped broader modern art movements [1][3].
Asawa's inventive use of materials such as wire, clay, and bronze is a focal point, complemented by displays of her personal sketchbooks. These elements provide a deeper understanding of her methods and her impact on modern sculpture [1].
After its debut in San Francisco, the retrospective will travel to major venues in New York, Spain, and Switzerland through 2027 [1][3]. This exhibition not only celebrates Asawa's legacy but also emphasizes the global importance of cultural heritage and the connections between personal identity and artistic innovation. It promises to be a standout cultural event of the year.
2. The Stars We Do Not See
Opening on October 18, 2025, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, "The Stars We Do Not See" is set to be the largest showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever held internationally. Featuring 200 works by over 130 Indigenous Australian artists, the exhibition explores the journey of Indigenous art from its pre-colonial origins to modern expressions [2].
Inspired by the moving works of Gulumbu Yunupiŋu, this exhibition highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous Australian artists [2] [4]. It offers visitors a chance to connect with the strength and creativity of Indigenous communities through their art.
The collection spans a variety of mediums, including traditional ochre bark paintings and cutting-edge contemporary installations. Notable artists include Brook Andrew, Destiny Deacon, and Christian Thompson. Thompson's sound installation, "Burdi Burdi," provides an immersive sensory experience [2]. The works represent over 250 Indigenous nations, such as those from the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, Far North Queensland, and the Kimberley [2] [4].
After its debut in Washington, the exhibition will travel to major North American institutions, including the Denver Art Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum, continuing its tour through 2028 [2]. "The Stars We Do Not See" offers a rare opportunity to experience the depth and variety of Indigenous Australian art, blending age-old traditions with contemporary creativity on a global platform [2] [4].
While this exhibition spotlights Indigenous traditions, the next delves into the global impact of Picasso's work in Asia.
3. Picasso for Asia: A Conversation
Opening at Hong Kong's M+ Museum from March 15 to July 13, 2025, "Picasso for Asia: A Conversation" delves into how Picasso's art intersects with Asian artistic traditions. Featuring over 140 pieces, the exhibition combines works from the Musée national Picasso-Paris with creations by Asian and Asian-diasporic artists from the M+ Collections.
Covering Picasso's career from the 1890s to the 1970s, the exhibition showcases iconic works like "The Acrobat" (1930), "Figures by the Sea" (1931), and "Massacre in Korea" (1951). These are displayed alongside Asian interpretations, emphasizing M+'s dedication to fostering global artistic conversations.
Asian artists such as M.F. Husain and Tyeb Mehta reinterpret Picasso's influence in their own work. For instance, Mehta's "Untitled (Figure on Rickshaw)" (1984) blends modernist styles with Indian cultural themes. Another standout is Lee Mingwei's interactive installation, "Guernica in Sand," where visitors actively reshape the artwork, symbolizing the exchange of ideas across cultures.
This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Picasso's legacy by viewing it through an Asian lens, challenging the traditional Western-centric approach to his work. Presented as part of the French May Arts Festival, it is the most expansive display of Picasso's art in Hong Kong in more than a decade.
While this exhibition connects Picasso with Asia, the next one turns the spotlight on Yayoi Kusama’s profound influence on contemporary art.
4. Yayoi Kusama: Grand Retrospective
The Yayoi Kusama: Grand Retrospective at the Tate Modern offers an in-depth look at the artist's six-decade career. Running from February to September 2025, this exhibition features over 200 works, ranging from her earliest watercolors to her latest large-scale installations, allowing visitors to experience the full scope of her artistic journey.
At the heart of the exhibition are Kusama's iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms, including a brand-new installation created specifically for this event. These rooms use mirrors, LED lights, and her signature polka dots to create mesmerizing, infinite reflections that play with perceptions of space and reality.
The retrospective also includes rarely seen pieces from her early years in Japan and her time in 1960s New York. Early tempera paintings and sculptures inspired by infinity reveal the beginnings of her artistic vision. The exhibition follows a chronological path, highlighting the evolution of her themes and techniques, from her early works on paper to her groundbreaking multimedia installations, underscoring her influence on contemporary art.
Given Kusama's worldwide popularity, the exhibition is expected to attract large crowds. To ensure a smooth experience, a timed entry system has been implemented for viewing the installations. Visitors can also use an augmented reality app to gain deeper insights into Kusama's creative process. Additionally, a dedicated meditation space invites attendees to reflect on the spiritual dimensions of her work.
For those eager to explore more of Kusama's art, the exhibition links to permanent collections at major institutions worldwide through the Discover Art Around the World platform. This connection offers a broader perspective on her impact and legacy.
While Kusama's work captivates audiences with its themes of infinity and self-obliteration, the following exhibition shifts focus to the global interplay between culture, tourism, and intangible heritage.
5. The 3rd International Culture, Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition
Held at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, the 3rd International Culture, Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition highlights efforts from around the world to protect and celebrate cultural traditions. This event aligns with UNESCO's 2003 Convention, which focuses on preserving intangible cultural heritage such as oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, traditional craftsmanship, and environmental knowledge.
Visitors can experience these traditions firsthand through live demonstrations and interactive displays. Activities like textile weaving and pottery making bring these practices to life, while digital exhibits provide additional context and background.
"Museums play a vital role in safeguarding living traditions, ensuring they remain community-driven", says Jacob O'Sullivan of Museums Galleries Scotland.
The exhibition showcases heritage as a living, evolving practice. By combining hands-on activities with interactive installations, it also highlights the connection between cultural preservation and sustainable tourism.
6. Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers
Rashid Johnson's "A Poem for Deep Thinkers", currently on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art, delves into African American heritage through modern artistic expression. The exhibit highlights Johnson's skillful use of various mediums such as sculpture, photography, and immersive installations.
At the heart of the exhibit are large-scale installations crafted from everyday materials like shea butter, black soap, and plants. These elements come together to create a sensory-rich experience, inviting visitors to reflect on themes of identity, history, and belonging.
"Art is a way to navigate the complexities of the world", says Johnson, emphasizing how he uses his work to engage with social issues [1].
What makes this exhibition stand out is its ability to present African American culture while connecting it to global art movements. By weaving personal stories with broader cultural narratives, Johnson's work highlights the shared significance of heritage and memory. Through his multimedia approach, visitors are encouraged to explore the overlap between individual experiences and collective history.
The exhibition's cinematic qualities further deepen its exploration of identity and cultural conversations. If you're curious about other contemporary art exhibitions, platforms like Discover Art Around the World (https://allartmuseums.com) provide a wealth of information on global museum collections and exhibits.
As Johnson’s work reshapes perspectives on African American heritage within global art, the museum's next exhibition will turn its attention to the rich traditions of Indigenous Australian art.
7. Kngwarray: A Major Solo Exhibition
Kngwarray's solo exhibition takes center stage in the largest international presentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to date. This extensive collection provides a rare look into Indigenous Australian art, showcasing over 200 works by more than 130 artists.
At the heart of the exhibition is Emily Kam Kngwarray's awe-inspiring "Anwerlarr anganenty (Big Yam Dreaming)" (1995). This three-by-nine-meter piece is a striking example of contemporary Indigenous art, standing out among a variety of works that include conceptual map paintings and experimental weavings.
"Many of the works travelling are globally recognised as undisputed masterpieces", says Tony Ellwood, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria [5].
The exhibition pulls from the National Gallery of Victoria's vast collection of 4,700 works, representing visual stories from over 250 Indigenous nations. One standout is the "Mun-dirra (Maningrida Fish Fence)" (2023), a 100-meter-long fiber installation created by women from Central West Arnhem Land.
Artists like Brook Andrew, Richard Bell, and Lorraine Connelly-Northey bring a fresh perspective, blending heritage with modern approaches. Their contributions highlight how Indigenous Australian art continues to grow and adapt while staying rooted in cultural traditions.
Starting October 18, 2025, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, the exhibition will travel to major North American venues. This marks a milestone in the global appreciation of Indigenous Australian art and its influence on world heritage.
While Kngwarray's work honors Indigenous traditions, the next exhibition turns its focus to themes of migration and identity.
8. New Museums 2025
The year 2025 is set to bring a wave of exciting museum openings that will reshape the global arts and culture scene. These new spaces aim to preserve heritage, celebrate creativity, and offer fresh ways to experience art and history.
London kicks things off with the V&A East Storehouse, opening on May 31, 2025. This massive collection will feature over half a million pieces, including the remarkable 90,000-piece David Bowie archive.
In the United Arab Emirates, the Saadiyat Cultural District continues to grow with the highly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Designed by Frank Gehry, this museum will display nearly 1,000 contemporary artworks, including key contributions from UAE artists. Architect Jean Nouvel describes the project:
"It will likely be the institution offering the greatest differentiation of its spaces, the most diverse exhibition forms and viewpoints."
Over in Los Angeles, technology and art merge at DATALAND, the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence arts. Its vision is perfectly captured by its founder:
"Los Angeles is the perfect city to launch Dataland, a forward-thinking, revolutionary museum in support of the fields to which I have dedicated my career: art, science, technology and AI research."
In Japan, the Naoshima New Museum of Art opens in spring 2025, spotlighting contemporary Asian artists and further cementing Naoshima’s reputation as a cultural hub.
The Studio Museum in Harlem debuts its expanded 82,000-square-foot space in autumn 2025. This upgrade will better showcase its collection of 9,000 works, ranging from the 1800s to today, and include spaces for artist residencies and community programs.
In Europe, two major openings are set to make waves. KANAL – Centre Pompidou in Brussels transforms a former Citroën garage into a modern art space, while the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw unveils its new 213,000-square-foot building in February 2025, housing over 1,000 pieces. One statement about the Warsaw museum captures the spirit of these projects:
"This is not just a museum. It's a gateway to a breathtaking chapter of Earth's history."
Lastly, the Fenix Museum of Migration takes a deep dive into the enduring themes of human movement and cultural exchange, offering a thoughtful exploration of migration's impact on societies.
These openings promise to redefine how we engage with art, history, and technology in the years to come.
9. Fenix Museum of Migration
Set to open on May 16, 2025, in Rotterdam's historic docklands, the Fenix Museum of Migration will transform a former trans-shipment warehouse into a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to migration stories. This 16,000-square-meter building, once the bustling hub of the Holland America Line, which saw millions of Europeans embark on new lives abroad, will now serve as a global center for sharing migration narratives.
At the heart of the museum is the Tornado, a striking architectural feature made of 297 polished stainless-steel panels that rise 30 meters into the air. Architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects explains:
"When MAD Architects were asked to work on FENIX, we knew we had to create a dialogue with the existing building and its surroundings – and with a past containing so many stories of migration, memories, and uncertainty."
The museum’s opening exhibitions delve into migration’s influence on art and culture. "All Directions: Art That Moves You" includes 150 works by artists ranging from Honoré Daumier to Steve McQueen, while "The Family of Migrants" showcases 194 photographs by 136 photographers from 55 countries. This exhibition draws inspiration from Edward Steichen's iconic 1955 show, "The Family of Man." Adding to its dynamic atmosphere, the museum’s Plein will host cultural activities such as traditional games, cooking demonstrations, and local markets. Museum director Anne Kremers highlights the museum’s purpose:
"The story Fenix tells is linked to the city and its communities. That story is the world's. One of arrivals and departures and of constant change to face the future."
A standout feature of the museum is the installation "Maze", a moving display of 2,000 donated suitcases that represent migration stories from around the world. British artist Yinka Shonibare reflects on the museum's role:
"It's important that art can actually deal with some of the most important questions of our time."
10. Almaty Museum of Arts
The Almaty Museum of Arts, set to open in summer 2025, will be Central Asia's first private museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Spanning 9,400 square meters, this impressive institution is designed by the renowned British architects Chapman Taylor and marks a major cultural milestone for Kazakhstan.
Founded by Nurlan Smagulov, a prominent automotive entrepreneur and philanthropist, the museum boasts a collection of over 700 works that blend local and global artistic traditions.
"Art transformed my life, and this museum connects Central Asia's art with the global scene."
The museum's debut will feature two standout exhibitions: "I Understand Everything", a solo show by Almagul Menlibayeva, and "Qonaqtar", a group exhibition curated by Inga Lāce, which showcases both Kazakh and international artists. Visitors can admire pieces by celebrated Kazakh artists like Aisha Galimbayeva, Salikhitdin Aytbayev, and Shaimardan Sariyev, alongside works by global icons. One highlight is Richard Serra's massive 155-ton sculpture, "Junction", known for its intriguing auditory effects.
Meruyert Kaliyeva, the museum's Artistic Director, shares its broader vision:
"We are here to celebrate the voices, visions, and histories of artists from Kazakhstan and beyond, offering a platform to study and appreciate contemporary art."
The museum's architecture mirrors Almaty's natural beauty. Inside, it features cutting-edge storage for up to 5,000 works, a restoration workshop, and spaces for education, performances, and concerts. It plans to host major exhibitions twice a year, along with regular master classes.
As the first private museum of its kind in Central Asia, the Almaty Museum of Arts is set to become a vital hub for preserving and sharing cultural heritage on a global stage.
Conclusion
The 2025 heritage exhibitions offer an impressive array of artistic works and efforts to preserve cultural history. From Ruth Asawa's six-decade retrospective to the Indigenous Australian showcase, The Stars We Do Not See, these events celebrate the diversity of human creativity and heritage.
They also bring together traditional and modern viewpoints. For example, the Almaty Museum of Arts combines Central Asian traditions with global influences, while the Fenix Museum of Migration delves into the dynamics of cultural exchange.
If you're planning a visit, tools like Discover Art Around the World (allartmuseums.com) can help with curated museum recommendations and updates on exhibitions. While these resources make planning easier, the exhibitions themselves provide unique opportunities for face-to-face engagement and cultural discovery.
Exhibitions such as The Stars We Do Not See emphasize 2025 as an important year for celebrating cultural heritage. They encourage dialogue and understanding through diverse artistic traditions, showing how art can connect different cultures and time periods.
From Kusama's immersive installations to Picasso's exploration of Asian influences, these exhibitions offer new perspectives on culture and history. They highlight art's ability to unite people and preserve heritage, ensuring its relevance for future generations.
These events not only celebrate artistic achievements but also create spaces for meaningful cross-cultural conversations, helping to keep our shared artistic legacy alive and inspiring for years to come.