15 Must-See May Exhibitions in New York
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New York City’s Art Scene: A Guide to Current Museum Exhibitions
Table of Contents
- New York City’s Art Scene: A Guide to Current Museum Exhibitions
- MoMA: Hilma af Klint – What stands Behind the Flowers
- MoMA: Jack Whitten – The Messenger
- MoMA: Woven Histories – Textiles and Modern abstraction
- Whitney Museum: Amy Sherald – American Sublime
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Rashid Johnson – A Poem for Deep Thinkers
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Sargent and Paris
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Caspar David Friedrich – The Soul of Nature
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Superfine – Tailoring Black Style
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: The New Art - American Photography, 1839-1910
- Brooklyn Museum: Nancy Elizabeth Prophet – I Will Not Bend an Inch
- New York City’s Art Scene: A guide to Current Museum Exhibitions
- Your Guide to NYC’s Art scene: FAQs About Current Exhibitions
- What are the must-see art exhibitions in NYC right now?
- Where can I see the Hilma af Klint exhibition and what is unique about it?
- Tell me more about the Jack Whitten exhibition at MoMA.
- Are there any exhibitions focusing on textiles or fashion?
- What can I expect from the Amy Sherald exhibition?
- Is there anything fascinating at the Guggenheim?
- What’s happening at the Met?
- What’s unique about “The New Art: american Photography, 1839-1910”?
- Do you know of any exhibitions outside of Manhattan?
- How do I get tickets and find more information?
New York City’s museums are currently hosting a diverse array of exhibitions,showcasing everything from historical textiles to contemporary sculpture. Here’s a look at some of the must-see shows.
MoMA: Hilma af Klint – What stands Behind the Flowers
Through Sept. 27, the Museum of Modern Art presents “Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers,” an exhibition focusing on a series of previously unpublished drawings. These watercolors, created by af Klint during a period of intense connection with nature in 1919 and 1920, depict flowers with vibrant colors and a naturalist’s eye. Af Klint envisioned this portfolio as an “Atlas” detailing the plants of Sweden, but interpreted through a spiritual lens. The exhibition explores the intersection of representation and abstraction, observation and inventiveness, and art and botany, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things.
More facts can be found on the MoMA website.
MoMA: Jack Whitten – The Messenger
Until Aug. 2, MoMA is showcasing “Jack Whitten: the Messenger,” a retrospective spanning six decades of Whitten’s innovative work. Featuring over 175 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, the exhibition illuminates Whitten’s artistic journey, exploring themes of race, technology, jazz, love, and war.The exhibition reveals how Whitten, despite facing pressure to create figurative art as a form of activism, dared to invent abstract forms, offering a new outlook on the world. Born in Alabama during the height of segregation, Whitten moved to New York in 1960 and dedicated himself to art. He pioneered unique techniques through his exploration of materials, giving importance to art in a world in turmoil.
More information can be found on the MoMA website.
MoMA: Woven Histories – Textiles and Modern abstraction
Through Sept. 13, “woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction” investigates the connections between weaving and abstraction. The exhibition features works by artists such as Sonia Delaunay,Hannah Hoch,and Sophie taeuber-Arp,whose textile creations parallel their paintings and drawings.Mid-century works by Albers and Ed Rossbach are also included, alongside contemporary pieces by Rosemarie Trockel, Andrea Zittel, and Igshaan Adams. With over 150 interdisciplinary objects, the exhibition highlights the intertwined issues of work and identity in modern textile production. By incorporating baskets,clothing,and other textile works,the exhibition challenges the conventional divisions between art and craft,expanding the history of abstraction.
More information can be found on the MoMA website.
Whitney Museum: Amy Sherald – American Sublime
Following its debut at SFMoMA, “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” is now at the Whitney Museum. The exhibition presents Sherald’s carefully crafted narratives of American life, focusing on the daily experiences of Black Americans. While based on specific individuals, Sherald’s paintings transcend traditional portraiture, inviting viewers into her subjects’ imaginary worlds. The exhibition includes Sherald’s iconic portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna taylor, creating a resonant ode to the multiplicity and complexity of American identity. Sherald’s work addresses the historical omission of Black individuals from art history, suggesting a broader perspective on American realism.
More information can be found on the Whitney Museum website.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Rashid Johnson – A Poem for Deep Thinkers
From April 18, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026, the Guggenheim will present “Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers.” This exhibition highlights Johnson’s role as a scholar of art history, mediator of African American popular culture, and creative force in contemporary art. Featuring nearly 90 works, including paintings, sculptures, films, and videos, the exhibition fills the museum’s rotunda. A monumental, site-specific work, “Sanguine,” will be installed on the upper ramp, complete with a built-in piano for musical performances. A dynamic event program, developed in collaboration with New York City community partners, will animate a sculptural stage on the rotunda floor.
More information can be found on the Guggenheim website.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Sargent and Paris
Through aug. 3, the Metropolitan Museum of Art presents “Sargent and Paris,” exploring the early career of John Singer Sargent.The exhibition focuses on Sargent’s time in Paris, from his arrival as an art student in 1874 to the mid-1880s, when his portrait “Madame X” caused a scandal at the Paris Salon. The exhibition examines this iconic portrait, along with numerous preparatory sketches, and features selected portraits of Parisians by Sargent’s contemporaries. Works from Sargent’s travels to Italy, the netherlands, Spain, and North Africa are also included.
More information can be found on the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Caspar David Friedrich – The Soul of Nature
Through May 11, the Metropolitan museum of Art also presents “Caspar David Friedrich: The soul of Nature,” the first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the artist in the united States.The exhibition features approximately 75 works by Friedrich, including oil paintings, finished drawings, and preparatory sketches, along with works by his contemporaries.
More information can be found on the Metropolitan Museum of art website.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Superfine – Tailoring Black Style
Opening May 10, 2025, and running through Oct. 26, the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” presents a cultural and historical analysis of African American style over three centuries through the concept of dandyism. The exhibition explores the importance of style in the formation of Black identities in the Atlantic diaspora, notably in the United States and europe. Through clothing,accessories,paintings,photographs,and decorative arts,the exhibition interprets dandyism as both aesthetics and a strategy for social and political possibilities. Organized into 12 sections, “Superfine” examines features that define the style, such as Champion, Respectability, Heritage, Beauty, and Cosmopolitanism, demonstrating how self-presentation is a form of distinction and resistance.
More information can be found on the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.
Metropolitan Museum of Art: The New Art - American Photography, 1839-1910
Through July 20, “The New Art: American Photography, 1839-1910” presents a history of American photography from its inception to the early 20th century. Drawn from the William L. Schaeffer collection, the exhibition features works by artists such as Josiah Johnson Hawes, John Moran, Carleton Watkins, and Alice Austen, alongside photographs by unknown professionals. The exhibition explores the dramatic change in the nation’s sense of self, driven by the success of photography as a cultural, commercial, artistic, and psychological phenomenon.
More information can be found on the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.
Brooklyn Museum: Nancy Elizabeth Prophet – I Will Not Bend an Inch
Through July 13, the Brooklyn Museum presents “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet:
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New York City’s Art Scene: A guide to Current Museum Exhibitions
New York City’s museums are buzzing with incredible exhibitions right now! From ancient explorations to cutting-edge contemporary art, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into some must-see shows.
Your Guide to NYC’s Art scene: FAQs About Current Exhibitions
Planning a visit? Here’s a handy Q&A to help you navigate the vibrant art scene in New York city:
What are the must-see art exhibitions in NYC right now?
NYC’s museum scene is packed with exciting shows! Here’s a curated list covering a range of styles and interests:
- MoMA: “Hilma af Klint: what Stands Behind the Flowers” (through Sept. 27) and “Jack Whitten: the Messenger” (until Aug. 2)
- whitney Museum: “Amy Sherald: American Sublime”
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: “Sargent and Paris” (through Aug. 3), ”Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature” (through May 11), “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” (Opens May 10, 2025), and ”The New Art: American Photography, 1839-1910″ (through July 20)
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: “Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers” (April 18, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026)
- Brooklyn Museum: “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will not Bend an Inch” (through July 13)
Where can I see the Hilma af Klint exhibition and what is unique about it?
You can experience “Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers” at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). This exhibition showcases a series of previously unpublished drawings by af Klint, focusing on her watercolors of flowers created in 1919 and 1920. These vibrant, detailed depictions were created with a naturalist’s eye but interpreted through a spiritual lens, as she envisioned them as an “Atlas” of Swedish plants.The exhibition explores observation, inventiveness, representation, abstraction, art and botany, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living things.
Tell me more about the Jack Whitten exhibition at MoMA.
MoMA is hosting a retrospective of Jack Whitten titled “Jack Whitten: The Messenger.” It spans six decades of Whitten’s career, featuring over 175 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.Visitors can explore themes of race, technology, jazz, love, and war in Whitten’s innovative work. A core focus of the exhibition is on how Whitten, despite facing the pressure to create figurative art, forged his path through abstract forms, offering a new perspective on the world.
Are there any exhibitions focusing on textiles or fashion?
Yes! The Metropolitan Museum of art is hosting several noteworthy exhibitions:
- Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction (MoMA): This exhibit (running Through Sept. 13) examines the connection between weaving and abstraction with pieces from Sonia Delaunay, Hannah Hoch, and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, mid-century artists, and contemporary artists.
- Superfine: Tailoring Black Style (Metropolitan museum of Art): The Costume Institute’s spring exhibition, opening May 10, 2025, will dive into a historical analysis of African American style over three centuries, exploring dandyism through clothing, accessories, and decorative arts.
What can I expect from the Amy Sherald exhibition?
The Whitney Museum is presenting “Amy Sherald: American Sublime.” This exhibition focuses on Sherald’s narratives of American life, highlighting the daily experiences of black Americans, as well as her iconic portraits of Michelle obama and Breonna Taylor. The exhibition invites viewers into her subjects’ imaginary worlds and addresses the historical omission of Black individuals from art history.
Is there anything fascinating at the Guggenheim?
The Solomon R. Guggenheim museum will showcase “Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers” from April 18, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This exhibit spotlights Johnson’s role as a scholar, mediator, and creative force in contemporary art. The show will feature nearly 90 works and include a specific work for the upper ramp.
What’s happening at the Met?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a diverse selection of exhibitions. Notable examples include:
- “Sargent and Paris,” exploring John Singer Sargent’s early career in Paris.
- “Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature,” the first thorough exhibition dedicated to the artist in the United States.
- “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a Costume Institute exhibition opening may 10, 2025, exploring African American style.
- “The New Art: American Photography,1839-1910,” showcasing the history of American photography.
What’s unique about “The New Art: american Photography, 1839-1910”?
“The New Art: American Photography, 1839-1910” takes a look at how the nation’s sense of itself changed through the emergence of photography as an artistic, cultural, and commercial phenomenon. The exhibition features artists like Hawes, Moran, Watkins, and Austen.
Do you know of any exhibitions outside of Manhattan?
Yes! The Brooklyn Museum’s exhibit, “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch,” offers insights on the subject’s life.
How do I get tickets and find more information?
For specific details on exhibitions, including ticket information, opening hours, and any special events, visit the respective museum websites:
- moma: MoMA website
- Whitney Museum: Whitney Museum website
- Guggenheim: Guggenheim website
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Metropolitan Museum of Art website
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Metropolitan Museum of Art website
- Metropolitan Museum of art: