As the crisp air of fall sweeps through New York City, its art scene comes alive with a rich array of exhibitions that cater to every taste and curiosity. From cutting-edge contemporary installations to timeless masterpieces, this season’s offerings invite both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers to explore the dynamic worlds of painting, sculpture, performance, and multimedia art.
Whether you’re drawn to the intimate galleries of Brooklyn or the grand halls of the city’s iconic museums, there’s no shortage of creativity and inspiration to discover this fall. Here are the must-see art exhibitions happening across New York City this fall.
Park Avenue Armory – The Art Show – October 29 – Nov 2, 2024
The Art Show in New York, presented by the Art Dealers Association of America, is a must-see this fall. Held annually at the Park Avenue Armory, this prestigious event features an exceptional range of works from both modern masters and contemporary artists. With a focus on curated presentations by leading galleries, The Art Show offers an intimate and thoughtful art-viewing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore one-of-a-kind pieces across various mediums, making it a standout event in New York’s vibrant fall art scene.
Metropolitan Museum of Art – Mexican Prints at the Vanguard – Now through January 5, 2025
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Mexican Prints at the Vanguard is a highlight of this fall’s art exhibitions in NYC. This captivating showcase delves into the dynamic world of early 20th-century Mexican printmaking, featuring bold and revolutionary works by artists such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. The exhibition explores how these artists used printmaking to convey powerful messages of social justice and political activism, capturing the cultural and political shifts of post-revolutionary Mexico. Rich in history and artistry, this exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and social change.
Brooklyn Museum – Elizabeth Catlett – Now through January 19, 2025
A defining Black woman artist of the twentieth century, Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012) has not received the mainstream art-world attention afforded many of her peers. The Brooklyn Museum, in partnership with the National Gallery of Art, closes this gap with Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies, an exhibition of over 200 works that gives this revolutionary artist and radical activist her due.
Zero Space Brooklyn – The Other Art Fair – October 1 – 20, 2024
Zero Space Brooklyn’s The Other Art Fair is a vibrant and immersive art experience not to miss this fall. Known for spotlighting emerging talent, this dynamic fair showcases works from independent artists across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Held in a unique, multi-sensory venue, The Other Art Fair offers a fresh, interactive approach to art exhibitions, making it a perfect destination for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. With live performances, installations, and a wide range of affordable art, this event captures the creative pulse of Brooklyn’s thriving art scene.
Sculpture Center – Alvaro Urbano: Tableau Vivant – Now through March 24, 2025
The Alvaro Urbano: Tableau Vivant exhibition at the Sculpture Center on Long Island is a captivating exploration of architecture, memory, and the surreal. Urbano’s installation transforms the gallery into an immersive, theatrical space where elements of living and non-living objects coexist in an ever-shifting environment. Drawing inspiration from abandoned and fictional architectural spaces, Tableau Vivant invites visitors to experience art as a constantly evolving narrative. This unique exhibition challenges traditional perceptions of sculpture and space, making it a standout experience in New York’s fall art lineup.
Brooklyn Museum -Toward Joy: New Frameworks for American Art – October 4, 2024
The Brooklyn Museum’s Toward Joy: New Frameworks for American Art reimagines the American art narrative by centering on themes of joy, resilience, and diverse cultural perspectives. This fall, the exhibition brings together works from a wide array of American artists who challenge traditional definitions of American art, exploring identity, community, and the human spirit. From bold contemporary pieces to reinterpreted historical works, Toward Joy offers a fresh, inclusive perspective on the American experience. Perfect for art enthusiasts looking to engage with thought-provoking, transformative art, this exhibition is a must-see this season.
The Drawing Center – The Way I See It: Selections from the KAWS Collection – October 10 – January 19, 2025
The Way I See It: Selections from the KAWS Collection at the Drawing Center offers a rare glimpse into the personal art collection of renowned artist KAWS. Known for his bold, contemporary works that blur the lines between fine art and popular culture, KAWS curates an exhibition showcasing the diverse influences that have shaped his career. Featuring drawings and works on paper from both emerging and established artists, this exhibition highlights the intersections of street art, pop art, and fine art. For fans of KAWS and those curious about his creative inspirations, this fall exhibition is a must-visit.
Metropolitan Museum of Art – Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 – October 13 – January 26, 2025
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350 transports visitors to the golden age of Italian art, showcasing the groundbreaking works of Sienese painters during the early Renaissance. This exhibition brings together masterpieces from key artists like Duccio, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers, highlighting their innovative use of color, narrative, and religious imagery. Focusing on the cultural and political significance of Siena during this period, the exhibition offers a deep dive into the city’s unique contribution to the development of European painting. Art lovers and history enthusiasts alike will find this a fascinating glimpse into the origins of modern Western art.
Neue Galerie – Egon Schiele: Living Landscapes – October 17 – January 13, 2025
Neue Galerie’s Egon Schiele: Living Landscapes offers a compelling exploration of the Austrian artist’s unique approach to landscape painting. Known primarily for his intense, expressive portraits, Schiele’s landscapes reveal a deep connection to nature, infused with the same raw emotion and bold lines that define his figurative work. This exhibition showcases a selection of Schiele’s rarely seen landscapes, capturing the vibrant energy of the natural world and its interplay with human emotion. For those looking to experience a different facet of this groundbreaking artist, Living Landscapes at Neue Galerie is an essential stop on NYC’s fall art circuit.
The Museum of Modern Art – Nour Mobarak: Dafne Phono – October 26–January 12, 2025
The Museum of Modern Art’s Nour Mobarak: Dafne Phono is an innovative, multisensory experience that blends sound, sculpture, and performance. Inspired by the myth of Daphne, Mobarak’s work explores themes of transformation, voice, and embodiment. The exhibition features intricate sound installations where recordings are manipulated to create an immersive, evolving sonic landscape. Through this dynamic fusion of art forms, Mobarak invites viewers to engage with the material and auditory in new ways. For those looking to experience cutting-edge contemporary art this fall, Dafne Phono at MoMA is a thought-provoking and captivating exhibition not to be missed.
The Guggenheim – Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910–1930 – November 8 – March 9, 2025
The Guggenheim’s Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910–1930 delves into the vibrant, color-driven art movement that merged abstraction and cubism. Focused on the works of pioneers like Robert and Sonia Delaunay, the exhibition explores how Orphism sought to capture the rhythm and harmony of modern life through dynamic compositions of color and light. This show brings together key pieces that highlight the movement’s unique blending of science, music, and visual art, offering a captivating look at how artists responded to the rapidly changing world of early 20th-century Paris. For art lovers, this exhibition is a colorful and dynamic highlight of the fall season.
The Museum of Modern Art – Ceremonies Out of the Air: Ralph Lemon – November 14 – March 24, 2025
The Museum of Modern Art’s Ceremonies Out of the Air: Ralph Lemon presents an immersive dive into the multidisciplinary work of acclaimed artist Ralph Lemon. Known for blending dance, visual art, and performance, Lemon explores memory, history, and identity in this deeply personal exhibition. Ceremonies Out of the Air features video installations, drawings, and soundscapes that reflect his meditative approach to storytelling and movement. The exhibition offers an intimate, sensory experience, inviting visitors to engage with complex themes through a fluid mix of mediums. For those interested in the intersection of contemporary art and performance, this is a must-see at MoMA this fall.