15+ Best Museum Exhibitions in New York City Right Now

Ashlyn L.
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New York City’s biggest institutions are showcasing works that challenge, surprise, and spark conversation. Whether you’re into fashion, abstraction, or social commentary, there’s something worth slowing down for. Here’s a list of the best museum exhibitions in New York City right now.

The Best Museum Exhibitions in New York City Right Now

Superfine: Tailoring Black Style at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Man in Black Tailored Suit
Photo via Vogue

This groundbreaking exhibition delves into Black dandyism, showcasing over 200 artifacts that explore fashion as a form of self-expression and resistance. It’s the Met’s first menswear-focused show in over 20 years and centers exclusively on Black designers.

Amy Sherald: American Sublime at The Whitney Museum of American Art

Art from Amy Sherald exhibit
Photo via The Berkshire Eagle

Sherald’s vibrant portraits capture the everyday lives of Black Americans, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary portraiture. This exhibition is a deep dive into her storytelling through art.

Faith Ringgold at The Guggenheim Museum

Faith Ringgold and her artwork at The Guggenheim Museum
Photo via The Guggenheim Museum

Ringgold’s narrative quilts are a powerful blend of art and activism, telling stories of freedom and self-possession. This exhibition highlights her influence on generations of artists.

Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor at The Museum of the City of New York

interactive exhibit Urban Stomp
Photo via Time Out

This immersive experience is one of the most unique museum exhibitions in New York City. The exhibit holds over 200 years of social dance in New York City, highlighting styles such as lindy hop, salsa, hip-hop, bhangra, vogue, and more. Visitors can engage with interactive elements, including video dance tutorials and a participatory dance floor, offering a hands-on experience of the city’s diverse dance cultures.

Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200 at The Brooklyn Museum

Art from the Brooklyn Museum exhibit Breaking the Mold
Photo via The Brooklyn Museum

Celebrating its bicentennial, this museum exhibition in New York City highlights a rich tapestry of Brooklyn’s artistic heritage, from 17th-century artifacts to contemporary works.

Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers at The Guggenheim Museum

Johnson transforms the Guggenheim’s rotunda into a canvas exploring themes of social alienation and rebirth, offering a reflective journey through his 25-year career.

Toyin Ojih Odutola: Ilé Oriaku at Jack Shainman Gallery

Art piece at the Jack Shainman Gallery
Photo via Jack Shainman Gallery

Odutola’s intricate drawings explore themes of identity and storytelling, offering a visual narrative that’s both personal and universal.

Defensive Display: Shields from The Met Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Shield from the Defensive Display Exhibit at the Met NYC
Photo via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This exhibition showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of shields from various cultures, highlighting their dual role as protective gear and symbols of status.

Above Ground: Art from the Martin Wong Graffiti Collection at The Museum of the City of New York

This exhibition showcases over 300 works from the Martin Wong Collection, highlighting the evolution of graffiti from subway cars to gallery walls. Featuring artists like Rammellzee, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, and Futura 2000, it offers a comprehensive look at the pioneers of the street art movement.

Rhizome World at The New Museum

“Rhizome World” explores the intersection of art and technology, featuring works that challenge our perceptions of digital culture and its impact on society.

Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

This event is one of the most iconic museum exhibitions in New York City right now, offering a comprehensive look at famous painter, Casper David Friedrich’s romantic landscapes, emphasizing the emotional depth and spiritual resonance of his work.

Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Museum exhibitions in New York City
Photo via The Moma

The show offers a rare glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of af Klint’s oeuvre, highlighting her pioneering role in abstract art. Her intricate drawings, created during 1919 and 1920, showcase a blend of scientific observation and mystical symbolism.

You Are Here: An Immersive Film Experience at The Museum of the City of New York

You are here exhibition | Museum exhibitions in New York City
Photo via The Museum of the City of New York

This immersive exhibition presents a 21-minute film composed of thousands of cinematic moments from over 400 movies set in New York City, displayed across 16 screens. By juxtaposing scenes from Hollywood blockbusters, independent films, documentaries, and experimental works, it offers an in-depth portrayal of the city’s evolution over the past century.

Woven Histories: Textiles and Modern Abstraction at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

This exhibition explores the intersection of textile art and modern abstraction, challenging traditional hierarchies in art. Featuring works that incorporate weaving, knotting, and braiding, it highlights the materiality and craftsmanship often overlooked in abstract art narratives. The show broadens the understanding of abstraction by emphasizing the significance of textile practices in shaping modern art movements.

Christine Sun Kim: All Day All Night at The Whitney Museum of American Art

All Day All Night museum exhibition | Museum exhibitions in New York City
Photo via Whitney Museum of American Art

Kim’s multimedia works delve into the nuances of sound, communication, and the experiences of the Deaf community. She challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of auditory experiences through visual representations of sound and innovative installations. The exhibition is a compelling exploration of accessibility, identity, and the politics of sound.

The Stettheimer Dollhouse in a New Light at The Museum of the City of New York

The Stettheimer Dollhouse exhibitions in New York City | Museum exhibitions in New York City
Photo via The Museum of the City of New York

This exhibition showcases the meticulously crafted 12-room dollhouse by Carrie Walter Stettheimer, reflecting the artistic and cultural milieu of early 20th-century New York. The dollhouse features miniature artworks by renowned artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Gaston Lachaise, offering a unique glimpse into the avant-garde art scene of the era.

Lorna Simpson: Source Notes at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art piece from Lorna Simpson: Source Notes museum exhibitions in New York City | Museum exhibitions in New York City
Photo via Vogue

Simpson’s first major museum exhibition takes place in New York City and focuses solely on her painting practice. “Source Notes” explores themes of identity, race, and history through abstract interpretations of vintage photographs and archival materials.

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