Spring in New York City isn’t just about cherry blossoms—it’s also the start of a fresh new arts season. From iconic museum exhibitions to immersive, technology-driven experiences, there’s no better time to explore the city’s ever-evolving creative landscape. Here’s your curated guide to the must-see art exhibitions this spring:
Frieze New York 2026 at The Shed
One of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs returns to New York, bringing together top galleries from around the globe. Held at The Shed in Hudson Yards, Frieze offers a dynamic mix of modern and contemporary works, curated presentations, and immersive installations—making it a must for collectors and art enthusiasts alike (May 13 – May 17, 2026).
Raphael: Sublime Poetry at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A once-in-a-generation exhibition and the first comprehensive U.S. presentation of Raphael’s work. Experience the mastery and influence of the Renaissance artist through paintings, drawings, and rare works (March 29 – June 28, 2026).
“Costume Art” at The Met Costume Institute
Opening alongside the Met Gala, this highly anticipated exhibition explores the relationship between fashion and the body. Featuring designs that blur the line between couture and sculpture, it’s a defining cultural moment of the season (Opens May 10, 2026).
Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses at the Brooklyn Museum
Discover the visionary work of Iris van Herpen, where fashion, science, and art converge. Known for her ethereal, technology-infused designs, this immersive exhibition explores the relationship between the human body, innovation, and the natural world (May 16 – December 6, 2026).
Maestros & The Machines at Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology
What would the great masters have created if they had access to modern tools? Maestros & The Machines invites you to step inside the creative worlds of history’s most iconic artists—reimagined through immersive 4D sound, robotics, and large-scale projection. Featuring figures like Mozart, Da Vinci, and Hokusai, this interactive experience responds to you in real time, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and future (March 31 – September 7, 2026).
Whitney Biennial 2026 at The Whitney Museum of American Art
One of the most important surveys of contemporary American art, the Biennial spotlights artists shaping today’s cultural and social dialogue through bold, thought-provoking work (March 8 – August 23, 2026).
Marcel Duchamp Retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art
A landmark exhibition revisiting one of the most influential figures in conceptual art. Duchamp’s groundbreaking works challenge perception, authorship, and the very definition of art (April 12 – August 22, 2026).
Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera at The Museum of Modern Art
Explore the creative and personal relationship between two of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. This exhibition brings together works that reveal a shared visual language shaped by identity, politics, and culture.
Carol Bove at The Guggenheim Museum
A major solo exhibition of sculptor Carol Bove, known for her dynamic, large-scale works that challenge balance, materiality, and space within the museum’s iconic rotunda (March 5 – August 2, 2026).
The Light That Shines Through the Universe by Tuan Andrew Nguyen at The High Line
A monumental public art installation on the High Line Plinth, this 27-foot sculpture reimagines the Bamiyan Buddhas of Afghanistan—lost to history and conflict—as a symbol of resilience, memory, and peace. Set against the Manhattan skyline, the work invites reflection on cultural heritage and the enduring power of art in public space (April 2026 – Fall 2027).
Robert Rauschenberg Centennial (Multiple Locations)
Celebrating 100 years of Rauschenberg, this citywide series of exhibitions at The Museum of the City of New York and The Guggenheim Museum which highlight his experimental approach to materials, photography, and performance, reaffirming his legacy as a pioneer of modern art.
Spring Gallery Openings in Chelsea & Tribeca
Explore rotating exhibitions from leading international artists and emerging voices across New York’s most dynamic gallery districts. Spring marks a seasonal reset, with new shows debuting throughout the neighborhood.
Plan Your Visit
Located in Midtown Manhattan, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta places you moments from the city’s most celebrated cultural institutions—from MoMA and The Met to downtown galleries and beyond.
