New York City’s art scene is so dynamic, it feels like a new exhibition could open every few seconds. While that’s a playful exaggeration, the reality is that the city thrives on the creativity and dedication of artists, curators, and many others who contribute to its vibrant art landscape. This year, we’ve compiled a list celebrating the top exhibitions of 2025 in the city.
This year’s exhibitions honored local talents like Coco Fusco at El Museo and Joyce McDonald at the Bronx Museum. They redefined the concept of the sublime with Amy Sherald’s work at the Whitney and examined the body as a site of struggle, seen in Nayland Blake’s exhibition at Matthew Marks. Iván Argote’s showcase at the High Line brought attention to one of New York’s polarizing symbols — the pigeon.
Helena Shaskevich provides a critical perspective on the School of the Art Institute’s neglect of the Video Data Bank and the challenging environment for media art funding. Meanwhile, Ellie Armon Azoulay highlights the use of sound by Israel as a tool of oppression against Palestinians, describing it as ‘cruel beyond measure.’
The School of the Art Institute has been criticized for its lack of engagement with the Video Data Bank team, opting instead to eliminate its budget without discussion. In Gaza, the broadcast of Netanyahu’s speech was part of a broader strategy by Israel to use sound to intimidate Palestinians.
In other art news, the Lucas Museum is experiencing turmoil following Pilar Tompkins Rivas’ abrupt departure, signaling potential instability at the upcoming Los Angeles museum. In Paris, the Louvre faces challenges with a leak damaging its Egyptian Antiquities collection and staff planning to strike. Meanwhile, in São Paulo, a daylight theft resulted in the loss of artworks, including prints by Matisse.
