PHOTOS: Celebrities interpret 2026 Met Gala theme ‘Fashion is Art’

On May 4, 2026, celebrities including Emma Chamberlain, Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Jenner, and Janelle Monae attended the Met Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, celebrating the opening of the "Costume Art" exhibition. The event featured arrivals at the museum and departures from The Mark Hotel, with performances by Joshua Henry, and was captured by photographers Evan Agostini, Andy Kropa, and Jamie McCarthy.

Lauren Sánchez Bezos unveils Met’s new exhibit amid gala backlash

Lauren Sánchez Bezos appeared alongside Anna Wintour at a press conference in New York to unveil the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new Costume Art exhibit, which opens May 10 ahead of the Met Gala. Sánchez Bezos and her husband Jeff Bezos are primary sponsors of this year's gala and exhibit, a role that has sparked backlash and a boycott campaign from the activist group Everyone Hates Elon. The exhibit explores themes of the dressed body through garments paired with ancient artifacts, featuring categories like "the naked body," "classic body," and "disabled body."

Exhibition brings together Art Nouveau and Art Deco through a century of chairs

The Horta Museum in Saint-Gilles is set to launch a new exhibition titled 'Art Nouveau versus Art Deco? 1850-1950: A Century in 32 Chairs,' running from June 25 to January 11, 2027. The showcase utilizes 32 chairs designed by prominent architects and designers alongside archival documents to trace the stylistic and ideological evolution of Western design. A unique collaborative element features students from La Cambre, who will present chair designs in Victor Horta’s workshop for a public vote.

8 Deer Park Students Featured In LI Museum Art Exhibit

Eight students from the Deer Park School District have been selected to feature their work in the annual "Colors of Long Island" student art exhibition at the Long Island Museum. The participants range from primary school first graders to high school juniors, with their pieces curated by district art teachers Briana Fayans, Samantha Racano, Ashley Woolsley, and Rebecca Yackel.

Art professor Brian Corr debuts solo exhibition at the Museum of Nebraska Art

The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) is hosting "Of Light and Shadow," the first solo museum exhibition for internationally recognized glass artist and Hastings College professor Dr. Brian Corr. The survey spans two decades of Corr’s career, featuring large-scale sculptures and installations that utilize light and shadow as primary materials. A highlight of the show is the U.S. debut of "One," a significant architectural installation originally created for his master’s thesis in Australia.

200 Works By Female Artists Make A Statement At Museum Of Modern Art In Warsaw

The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw has launched "The Woman Question 1550-2025," a landmark exhibition featuring 200 works by nearly 150 female artists spanning five centuries. Curated by Alison M. Gingeras and designed by Dorota Terlecka of Biuro Kreacja, the show is organized into nine thematic sections within the museum’s new contemporary building. The exhibition design utilizes a minimalist approach, featuring neutral palettes and intentional spatial proportions to ensure the diverse artworks remain the primary focus.

Holbein biography interrogates the artist's life and work from a different angle

Elizabeth Goldring’s new biography of Hans Holbein the Younger takes a documentary-focused approach, prioritizing archival evidence over visual analysis. The book examines Holbein’s life (1497/8–1543) through chronological chapters, using inventories, correspondence, and other records to correct long-held assumptions and propose new theories about his work. Goldring’s detective work includes identifying the green curtain in Holbein’s portrait of Sir Thomas More as a reference to the sitter’s role as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and suggesting that a lost painting of the More family was given to Erasmus as a gift.

‘Unfolding Events,’ an exhibition of artists’ books

Yale Library is presenting 'Unfolding Events: Exploring Past and Present in Artists’ Books,' an exhibition at the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library through March 1. Curated by Jessica Pigza and Bill Landis, the show draws from the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library and Beinecke collections, featuring works that explore marginalized communities and personal responses to contemporary life. Highlights include Clarissa Sligh's accordion-style book 'What’s Happening With Momma?' (1988) and Tia Blassingame's '’Pause' (2024), which addresses Black women's experiences with menopause.

Tate reveals the main reason for its lower attendance figures

Tate museums have experienced a significant drop in attendance, with Tate Modern seeing 25% fewer visitors in 2024 compared to 2019, Tate Britain down 32%, and Tate St Ives down 37%. While domestic visitor numbers have recovered to 95% of pre-Covid levels, international visitors are at only 61%, particularly among European 16-to-24-year-olds, whose numbers fell from 609,000 in 2019-20 to 357,000 in 2023-24. The Art Newspaper's research, combining government data and Tate's internal studies, shows that external socioeconomic factors—including a one-tenth drop in EU visitors to the UK overall—are the primary driver, not curatorial programming as some critics have claimed.

Troy, ancient site in western Turkey, hosts expansive contemporary art exhibition

The Troy Museum in western Turkey has opened a contemporary art exhibition titled "Emanet" (meaning "trust," "legacy," or "safekeeping") by Turkish artist Vuslat. The show, running from May 25 to July 25, features sculptures, drawings, installations, and sound works placed alongside ancient artifacts in the museum's main halls and gardens, marking the first time contemporary art has been integrated into the museum's primary exhibition spaces near the legendary site of Troy.

The Gallery Children’s Biennale Is Back, With 8 Baby-Friendly Interactive Zones & Free Entry

The Gallery Children’s Biennale returns for its 5th edition at National Gallery Singapore, launching on 31 May 2025. Themed “Tomorrow We’ll Be…”, the exhibition features eight interactive artworks by Singaporean and Asian artists, including Fern Wong, Wyn-Lyn Tan, Hiromi Tango, Souliya Phoumivong, and Vicente Delgado. For the first time, the Biennale is baby-friendly, with zones designed for infants and toddlers. The event runs in conjunction with the National Gallery’s 10th anniversary and SG60, celebrating Singapore’s 60th year of independence.

Turkish artists face pressure amid government crackdown on opposition

A government crackdown on Turkey’s opposition following the arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu has ensnared members of the culture community, including Mahir Polat, head of the municipality’s cultural heritage department, and photographer Murat Germen. Mass protests have erupted across the country, with hundreds of thousands marching against what they see as rising authoritarianism under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Artists and cultural figures face censorship, detention, and prosecution for expressing political views, while independent institutions bear the risk of critical discourse.

Contemporary Art : Art under 500€

LLB Auction in Luxembourg is hosting a sale titled 'Contemporary Art: Art under 500€' on April 26, 2026. The auction features a curated collection of prints, posters, and editions from major contemporary artists, including works by Damien Hirst, David Hockney, Yayoi Kusama, and Takashi Murakami, all with estimates starting as low as 300 euros.

Hong Kong’s live art auctions are thriving thanks to Picasso and Nara

Hong Kong’s art auction market opened 2025 with significant momentum, characterized by a shift toward high-quality, museum-grade works and selective collecting. Major auction houses like Christie's, Bonhams, and Phillips reported strong results for blue-chip artists, highlighted by the sale of Pablo Picasso’s "Buste de Femme" for HK$196.75 million. While the market has become more deliberate, the demand for rare, impeccably sourced pieces by both Western masters and Asian contemporary icons remains robust.

Institute of Museum and Library Services Allowed to Operate: Settlement

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has reached a legal settlement allowing it to resume full operations after being targeted for dismantling by a presidential executive order. The agreement, facilitated by a lawsuit from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, reverses planned mass layoffs and the termination of federal grants that support thousands of institutions across the United States.

Body as Device. Guide and Reflection on the Performances of the Venice Biennale

Corpo come dispositivo. Guida e riflessione sulle performance della Biennale di Venezia

The article analyzes the role of performance art at the 2026 Venice Biennale, arguing that performance is no longer a rediscovered genre but a structurally institutionalized primary form of experience production. It examines how the body reemerges not as an alternative to image-based works but as an internal interruption of the artwork system, preventing closure and reintroducing instability. Key pavilions are discussed: Austria's Florentina Holzinger with "Sancta" draws on 1970s radical performance and feminist body art, creating an immersive environment of continuous movement; Belgium's Miet Warlop with "IT NEVER SSST" engages post-dramatic theater and postmodern dance repetition; Japan's Ei Arakawa-Nash with "Grass Babies, Moon Babies" activates Gutai avant-garde legacies through viewer interaction with soft dolls.

Matisse Mesnil “Sutura” at Romero Paprocki, Milan

Artist Matisse Mesnil has opened a solo exhibition titled "Sutura" at the Romero Paprocki gallery in Milan. The show marks a new phase in his practice, characterized by technical and methodological experimentation focused on metal as his primary material.

This beloved pop culture art gallery in L.A. is closing after 20 years — is AI to blame?

Gallery 1988, a pioneering Los Angeles institution that branded itself as the world's first pop culture-focused art gallery, will cease operations at the end of April after 20 years. Founded in 2004, the gallery became a cult favorite for its tribute exhibitions dedicated to films, video games, and television, often drawing massive crowds for shows like "Crazy 4 Cult." Owner Katie Sutton cited a historically weak art market and the loss of a physical storefront as primary factors in the decision to close.

Korea's longest-running art fair to open with largest exhibition to date in April

The Galleries Association of Korea has announced that the 2025 Galleries Art Fair will be its largest edition since its inception in 1979. Opening on April 8 at the Coex convention center in Seoul, the fair will feature 169 member galleries, including major names like Kukje Gallery and Gana Art. The event will include a "Zoom In" section highlighting 10 emerging artists and a special archival exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Galleries Association of Korea.

Spain’s galleries are protesting against high taxes—can Arco Madrid help voice their concerns?

The 45th edition of Arco Madrid, Spain’s premier contemporary art fair, is set to host 206 galleries from 36 countries at the Ifema convention centre. While the fair remains a vital commercial hub, it is currently overshadowed by a nationwide protest from Spanish galleries against the country's 21% VAT on art purchases. This tax rate is among the highest in Europe, significantly outpacing neighbors like Portugal and France, leading to concerns about international competitiveness and the classification of contemporary art as a luxury elite product.

Latest acquisitions of the Musée Jules Desbois

Dernières acquisitions du Musée Jules Desbois

The Musée Jules Desbois in Parçay-les-Pins has expanded its collection with several new acquisitions by its namesake sculptor. Jules Desbois, a contemporary and close collaborator of Auguste Rodin, is being highlighted for his distinct artistic career that moved beyond his role as Rodin's assistant. The new additions include examples of his classical training from the Beaux-Arts de Paris as well as his later ventures into decorative arts and Art Nouveau styles.

Comment | 'Artnet-Artsy merger: a Bloomberg for art?'

Artnet and Artsy have officially merged under private equity firm Beowolff Capital, founded by former Goldman Sachs trader Andrew Wolff. The deal, which took Artnet private, has already led to layoffs at both companies—including at least seven staff members from Artnet News—and the closure of Artnet's Berlin office. Jeffrey Yin, CEO of Artsy, will lead the combined entity. The merger aims to combine Artnet's vast database of 18 million auction results with Artsy's primary market gallery network to create a seamless user experience for discovering, researching, and buying art.

Investor Says Artnet Layoffs Were Necessary for ‘Financial Strength’

Investor and owner Andrew E. Wolff has publicly explained the recent layoffs at Artnet and Artsy as a necessary step for the companies' financial restructuring and future growth. He framed the cuts as part of a broader consolidation strategy, merging the US businesses and organizational structures of the two digital art platforms while keeping their brands separate.

Finland Pulls Back Venice Biennale Presence Over Return of Russian Pavilion

Finland’s political leadership has announced it will boycott the Venice Biennale if the Russian Pavilion proceeds with its planned exhibition. While Finnish public officials will still attend to support their own national artists, the Ministry of Education and Culture stated that Russia should be excluded as long as the war in Ukraine continues. This move follows an open letter from 22 European nations and a warning from the European Commission regarding potential sanctions violations.

Institute of Museum and Library Services Saved from Defunding After Legal Challenge

The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice to halt the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The agreement ensures the federal agency will continue its operations, reinstates previously terminated grants, and reverses staff reductions. This legal victory follows a period of significant uncertainty where the agency's budget was slated for a 98% reduction, threatening its role as the primary federal supporter of museums and libraries.

LA Artists Honor Dolores Huerta’s Defiant Spirit

The Chicano cultural center Plaza de la Raza in Los Angeles has launched "DOLORES," a major group exhibition celebrating the 96th birthday and enduring legacy of labor leader Dolores Huerta. Featuring works by over 30 artists, including Barbara Carrasco and Vincent Valdez, the show utilizes portraiture, mixed media, and depictions of migrant labor to honor Huerta’s contributions to the United Farm Workers (UFW) and Chicano civil rights.

Art Market Minute: Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 Analysis

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Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 served as a critical barometer for a shifting global art market, characterized by a move away from impulsive buying toward a more deliberate and cautious collector base. Industry experts observed that the traditional first-day frenzy has been replaced by extended decision-making timelines, as buyers navigate a complex landscape of rising logistical costs and regional economic shifts.

trump administration violated law withholding institute of museum and library services funds 1234745552

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a decision on Monday finding that the Trump administration violated the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 by withholding congressionally appropriated funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In March, President Trump signed an executive order calling for the elimination of the IMLS, and in April the agency was gutted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), placing its entire 75-person staff on leave. The GAO determined that the IMLS ceased performing its legal duties and withheld funds intended for museums and libraries, and that the administration could not justify the withholding.

Lucio Santiago | LA ESPERA (2015) | For Sale

Lucio Santiago's bronze sculpture "LA ESPERA" (2015) is listed for sale at US$3,400 through Bernardini Art Gallery & Auction House. The work measures 23 × 19 × 19 cm, is unique, and signed. Lucio Santiago, born in 1987 in Oaxaca de Juárez, is the son of artist Alejandro Santiago. His artistic training includes workshops in photography at the Manuel Álvarez Bravo center and with Katy McFadden, as well as graphic art at Gráfica Bambú and a three-year residency at La Ceiba in Xalapa. His first solo exhibition was in 2007, and he has since shown in Europe and the US. His work explores themes of life and death, incorporating wings, skeletons, mutilated bodies, and animals like eagles, fish, and coyotes.

Inside Richie Shazam’s Debut Solo Show in Texas

Multidisciplinary artist Richie Shazam has launched her debut solo exhibition, "I Was Never Meant to Survive This," at the McLennon Pen Co. gallery in Austin, Texas. The show features 39 new works that blend photography, sculpture, and set design, utilizing found objects, hair, and flowers alongside Shazam’s own body as a primary subject. The collection represents a deeply personal exploration of her Guyanese heritage, trans identity, and the community that has supported her journey from New York City to the international stage.