The world of art and architecture is set for an exciting revival with several must-see exhibitions slated for 2025. The agenda at museums and cultural institutions globally is bursting with creativity, providing opportunities to engage with contemporary issues through design and art. Perhaps most highly anticipated is the XXIV Milan Triennale, which will open its doors to the public with the theme 'Inequalities' starting May 2025.
Curated by Carlo Ratti, the Milan Triennale aims to explore various contemporary themes and encourage reflections on societal disparities through the lens of art and design. This event will coincide with several other significant openings across the globe, including the Design Museum's new initiative named PLATFORM, which will spotlight contemporary studios and designers redefining our notions of daily design.
Across the Atlantic, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) will present exhibitions taking objects from its collection to recount the transformations undergone by design principles throughout history. This endeavor reflects the museum's commitment to sharing transformative stories related to everyday objects and the aesthetics of architecture.
On the Japanese front, the Shiga Museum will showcase Butsudori, focusing on the relationship between photography and objects, supported by the National Art Center's exploration of modern homes, leveraging the designs of architectural icons like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.
Meanwhile, Canada is buzzing with excitement for its own art events. The Esker Foundation has confirmed it will host 'Dimensions of Intimacy,' likely to be the most significant retrospective dedicated to Montreal artist Jana Sterbak. Known for her boundary-pushing works, including her iconic 'Vanitas: Flesh Dress for an Albino Anorectic,' Sterbak's exhibition is viewed as a must-visit, contextualizing the cultural power of the 1980s and 1990s.
Joyce Wieland’s work will also be celebrated with retrospectives at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery of Ontario. With approximately 100 of her artworks and restored films, this exhibition will examine Wieland's encapsulation of feminism, Canadian identity, and avant-garde art practices.
Back across the Atlantic, the UK is no stranger to influential exhibitions. Starting late January 2025, Raven Row will host 'Eyes Open in the Dark,' featuring works by the American photographer Peter Hujar, whose images reflect queer life during New York's vibrant 70s and 80s. This is the first comprehensive retrospective of Hujar’s work, showcasing his unforgettable black-and-white portraits.
Another exciting display will be at Tate St Ives, featuring surrealist artist Ithell Colquhoun. This exhibition will explore her unique ability to conjure evocative and confounding images, showcasing her relationship with the natural world and the occult.
These exhibitions serve not only as mere showcases of art but as platforms for dialogue about pressing social issues. They remind us of Art's intrinsic role in our society—it weighs on the issues we face and reflects both our collective memory and future aspirations.
Each exhibit, with its rich narratives and thematic depth, invites viewers to reconnect with their senses and engage meaningfully with art. Whether it’s the immersive installations of the Milan Triennale or the soul-stirring photography of Peter Hujar, the upcoming year is set to be filled with experiences of discovery and innovation.
From the reimagining of historical narratives to the exploration of contemporary aesthetic expressions, 2025 will undoubtedly be packed with exhibitions worth visiting, engaging with, and remembering long after they conclude. Art and architecture lovers across the globe should mark their calendars and prepare for unprecedented explorations through creativity, history, and the human experience.
