Setting out on a journey around the world offers not only the chance to explore different cultures and cuisines, but also to immerse oneself in the mosaic of global art.
From the soaring skylines of Dubai to the historic streets of Vienna, the bustling galleries of New York to the majestic museums of Paris, this summer promises an unparalleled feast for art enthusiasts around the globe.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, is a cultural hub that invites visitors to embark on a journey through time and space, exploring art from civilisations across the globe.
This summer, the museum presents the captivating exhibition, Fables from East and West, tracing the evolution of fables, imparting life lessons that often transcend cultures. Originating in India and Greece, these stories evolved through figures like Ibn al-Muqaffa and Aesop, culminating with Jean de La Fontaine in the 17th century. Delve into this rich literary genre and discover its universal teachings until July 21.
Other great exhibitions and galleries in Abu Dhabi to look out for: The Echoes of the Orient at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Al Saadiyat Island, or visit the Al Qattara Arts Centre for traditional local architecture.
This summer, step into a world where boundaries blur and imagination reigns supreme. The Arts Club Dubai presents its ninth stairway exhibition, That Which Does Not Belong. Dive deep into the captivating world of the UAE-based artist collective comprising Ramin Haerizadeh, Rokni Haerizadeh, and Hesam Rahmanian, where three-dimensional collages, paintings, and sculptures redefine identity and explore the depths of human experience. The exhibit is on view until October 1 at the Arts Club ICD Brookfield Place DIFC, Dubai.
Other great exhibitions and galleries in Dubai to look out for: the Short Circuits exhibition by Vikram Divecha at the Jameel Arts Centre and Arte Museum Dubai.
Diving into Hong Kong’s vibrant history, this exhibition draws from archival treasures to spotlight contemporary creations by six local artist groups. Inspired by Oscar Ho’s iconic 1990 showcase, Another Day in Hong Kong delves deeper, capturing diverse stories and moments unfolding within a single day. Experience the city’s heartbeat anew until August 31 at the Asia Art Archive, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
Other great exhibitions and galleries in Hong Kong to look out for: TypePop Show by Gate33 Gallery at Airside, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Noir & Blanc – A Story of Photography, which marks the first exhibition at the M+ museum dedicated to photography.
Dive into contemporary marvels at the Palace of Versailles this summer as Eva Jospin unveils The Silk Room. Following a legacy of groundbreaking exhibits, including those by Anish Kapoor and Joana Vasconcelos, the Sun King’s residence welcomes Eva’s monumental embroidery, inspired by French gardens and Virginia Woolf’s feminism. Don’t miss this transformative experience that is open to the public through September 29 at the Palace of Versailles, Versailles.
When summer draws to a close, if you are in Paris at the tail end of the season, do not miss Frida Kahlo ¡Viva la vida! at the Grand Palais Immersif. Bookmark the immersive and thought-provoking exhibition, which will run from September 18, 2024, to March 2, 2025. Be enveloped by Frida’s rich life through 360-degree projections, artworks, photos, and diary excerpts. Explore the inner world of this iconic Mexican artist like never before in this award-winning showcase.
Step into the vibrant world of one of art’s most iconic figures thanks to the new Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience exhibition in London. Experience Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic paintings through a mesmerising 360-degree installation comprising dozens of projectors and hyper-realistic VR headsets, allowing you to observe the Dutchman’s masterpieces like never before.
From the swirling stars of Starry Night to the sun-drenched fields of Sunflowers, every brushstroke comes alive in this awe-inspiring display. Don’t miss your chance to walk alongside Van Gogh’s immortal creations – it’s a masterpiece in motion waiting to be explored until June 29 at 106 Commercial Street, E1 6LZ, London. This will be a great primer for The National Gallery’s exhibition Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers, which kicks off on September 14 and runs through mid-January, 2025.
Other great exhibitions and galleries in London to look out for: Beyond Fashion at the Saatchi Gallery and the annual Summer Exhibition, which takes place at the Royal Academy.
Partake in a sensory journey at The Metropolitan Museum of Arts’ Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion exhibit. Explore over 250 garments from centuries past, each set amidst captivating natural imagery. From augmented reality to stunning soundscapes, experience fashion’s evolution alongside the wonders of the natural world. Don’t miss the enchantingly illusive techniques used by the museum to breathe life into all of these delicate sleeping beauties. Be stirred by the sartorial splendour on display until September 2 at The Costume Institute inside The Met, Fifth Avenue, New York.
Other great exhibitions and galleries in New York to look out for: the Alice in Wonderland exhibit at New York Botanical Garden, and Lost New York at the New York Historical Society.
Celebrate the centenary of Pop Art maestro Roy Lichtenstein’s birth at Vienna’s Albertina Museum with its current show – Roy Lichtenstein: A Centennial Exhibition. Featuring over 90 iconic works, starting from the 1960s and spanning his illustrious career, this retrospective promises a journey through Lichtenstein’s diverse oeuvre. Discover first-hand why he is known as one of the founding figures of Pop Art. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness an iconic blurring of Low Art and High Art this summer before the exhibit closes on July 14 in Albertina, Vienna.
Other great exhibitions and galleries to look out for in Vienna: the Beethoven Museum, set in the building where the great composer wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament letter in which he despaired about his loss of hearing and failing health, and the (Con)temporary Fashion Showcase in MAK, which is dedicated to the presentation of current fashion design and contemporary art.
