10 Must-See Museum Exhibitions in 2024

From strong debut solo museum exhibitions to in-depth explorations of pivotal figures in art history, here are 10 museum shows to visit across the globe in 2024.

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Anselm Kiefer, “Fallen Angels”

Anselm Kiefer's exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence offers a comprehensive look at the influential German artist's career. The exhibition showcases a range of paintings, sculptures, prints, and installations, drawing inspiration from mythology, religion, philosophy, collective memory, and the history of war. Kiefer's work engages with the viewer emotionally, psychologically, and physically, exploring the impact of World War II on Germany's cultural identity. The exhibition aims to showcase the complexity of Kiefer's work within the historic Renaissance architecture of Palazzo Strozzi.

Mar. 22–July 21

“Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism”

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. will host an exhibition titled “Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism”. The exhibition brings together nearly 130 pieces by prominent artists from the period, including Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. It traces the political and cultural circumstances that led these artists to go against the conventions of the academies of the time and adopt a form of painting that depicted everyday life. The exhibition explores the revolutionary nature of Impressionism and its impact on the art world.

Mar. 24–July 14

Firelei Báez

Dominican-born artist Firelei Báez will have her first museum survey show at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. Her exhibition will feature paintings, drawings, and installations that investigate the historical narratives and legacy of colonialism, with a particular focus on the African diaspora in the Caribbean. Báez's works are known for their vibrant colors and references to geography and material culture. The exhibition aims to challenge power structures and explore themes of gender, nationality, and race, while also proposing new narratives for contemporary art in the Caribbean.

Apr. 4–Sep. 2

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Caspar David Friedrich, “Infinite Landscapes”

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Caspar David Friedrich, the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin will host an exhibition titled “Infinite Landscapes”. The exhibition explores Friedrich's life and legacy, showcasing nearly 60 paintings and 50 drawings. Friedrich was known for his Romantic landscape paintings, which often depicted man's relationship with nature. The exhibition aims to highlight the artist's exploration of perspective and change, as well as his impact on contemporary art. It will also examine the relationship between Friedrich and the city of Berlin, where he had significant exhibitions during his lifetime.

Apr. 19–Aug. 4

Theaster Gates

The Mori Art Museum in Tokyo will host a comprehensive survey of the renowned American artist Theaster Gates. The exhibition will feature a range of works spanning sculpture, painting, music, performance, architecture, and design. Gates's practice often explores the structures of urban planning and the impact of unequal investment in African American communities. Through his work, Gates aims to disrupt artistic traditions and encourage critical discourse on issues of race and politics. The exhibition will also examine the influence of Japanese art and culture on Gates's work.

Apr. 24–Sep. 1