‘D.I.Y. in the District’ at MLK Library: An exhibition that celebrates D.C.’s artist run spaces

The article reports on the exhibition 'D.I.Y. in the District' at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (MLK Library) in Washington, D.C., which celebrates the city's artist-run spaces. The show highlights the grassroots, self-organized venues that have shaped D.C.'s visual art scene, featuring works and histories from collectives and alternative galleries that operated outside traditional institutions.

Springville Museum of Art hosts John Hafen exhibition

The Springville Museum of Art has opened the first major retrospective of John Hafen, a co-founder of the Springville Art Movement and one of Utah's most influential artists. The exhibition features 64 of Hafen's paintings, including works from the museum's own collection and loans from other museums and private owners. Highlights include the painting "Girl Among the Hollyhocks" and "The Sycamore Tree," alongside a biography of the artist and interpretive quotes from his writings. Hafen, a Swiss-born plein-air painter who studied in France and settled in Utah, is known for his tonalist landscapes that emphasize mood and sentiment over exact representation.

The Rise in Artist-Led Withdrawals from Museums and Galleries

Contemporary museums and galleries are increasingly facing artist-led withdrawals from exhibitions, as living artists pull their work over disagreements about how their messages are presented. The trend reflects a growing tension between artists' intentions and the need to satisfy other stakeholders in an increasingly politicized and polarized art world.

A World Reshaped by A.I. Needs Museums More Than Ever

The New York Times article argues that as artificial intelligence rapidly transforms society, museums have become more essential than ever. It contends that museums offer a crucial counterbalance to the speed and abstraction of AI by providing spaces for slow, embodied, and critical engagement with history, culture, and human creativity. The piece emphasizes that museums are not just repositories of the past but vital institutions for fostering the kind of deep thinking, empathy, and perspective needed to navigate an AI-driven world.

A Museum Show About Disability Asks: ‘Who’s Sorry Now?’

The New York Times reports on a new museum exhibition that centers on disability, posing the provocative question 'Who’s Sorry Now?' The show challenges conventional narratives around disability, moving beyond pity or inspiration to explore themes of agency, identity, and societal attitudes. It features works by disabled artists and aims to reframe how disability is represented in cultural institutions.

Exhibition to showcase work of local artist at Basingstoke museum

An upcoming exhibition titled 'Me, Myself and Art' will showcase the work of local figurative artist Neal Whelan at The Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery in Basingstoke, running from September 6 to October 5. The show features a diverse collection of Whelan's best works, including familiar North Hampshire landscapes and abstract pieces like 'An August Dance', inspired by Brian Friel's play 'Dancing at Lughnasa'. Whelan's art has previously been displayed at THAT Gallery and the 7Artists+ exhibitions at Proteus.

Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens reflects vibrant arts district

The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens in Ormond Beach, Florida, recently completed a 16-month renovation that added expanded classroom, exhibition, and meeting spaces, as well as a new rooftop terrace overlooking its 2.5-acre gardens. The museum, founded in 1946, features rotating and permanent collections including works by Malcolm Fraser and John Wilton, along with educational programs for all ages, outreach for students and military personnel, and a garden with native and exotic plants, a turtle sanctuary, and military tributes. Upcoming exhibits include a pop-up by Carson Kapp, the International Society of Experimental Artists' 'Innovations 2025,' and a 1940s-themed show organized by the OMAM Guild.

The Southwest City That Turned Itself Into an Essential Art Outpost

The New York Times reports on a city in the southwestern United States that has transformed itself into a significant art destination. Through strategic investments in museums, galleries, and public art initiatives, the city has attracted major exhibitions, international collectors, and a growing creative community, positioning itself as an essential outpost for contemporary art beyond traditional coastal hubs.

Comment | From restitution to confronting authoritarian regimes, here are five ways museums can be more ethical

The article previews the upcoming book "Towards the Ethical Art Museum" and outlines five key strategies for museums to become more ethical institutions. These include developing ethics codes in collaboration with advisory bodies like ICOM and the UK Museums Association, changing mindsets on restitution to focus on mutual benefit rather than loss, and addressing internal "employee activism" to build diverse and equitable workplaces.

8 Art Shows to See Before They Close

The New York Times has published a curated list of eight art exhibitions currently on view that are nearing their closing dates. The article provides recommendations for shows across various museums and galleries, highlighting key artists and themes to help readers plan their visits before the exhibitions end.

US states step up to fund the arts in the wake of federal cuts

State legislatures across the US have continued to fund their arts and humanities agencies for fiscal year 2026, with aggregate spending totaling $649.2 million across 50 states and four territories—a 7.4% decrease from 2025 levels. While 29 states increased their arts funding, others saw significant cuts, including New Hampshire (90% reduction), Hawaii (74.9% drop), and Missouri (59.7% decline). The data comes from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA), which notes an uncertain fiscal environment but highlights that overall state investment in the arts is being sustained despite federal pressures.

Humanoid robot Ai-Da that sold first robot art at auction for over $1 million now says it's not aiming to ‘replace human artists’

The humanoid robot Ai-Da, one of the most advanced in the world, unveiled a new oil painting titled "Algorithm King" at the United Nations' AI for Good summit in Geneva. The portrait depicts King Charles III and was created using artificial intelligence algorithms. Late last year, Ai-Da made history when its portrait of Alan Turing became the first artwork by a humanoid robot sold at auction, fetching over $1 million. The robot, created in 2019 by a team led by Aidan Meller with specialists from the universities of Oxford and Birmingham, is designed to resemble a human woman with interchangeable robotic arms.

Warrington Museum to host art exhibition exploring identity and transition

Warrington Museum and Art Gallery will host 'Foreign Bodies,' a solo exhibition by emerging artist Skye Baker, from July 18 to September 14. The show features performance and video works exploring Baker’s personal experiences with gender transition and broader societal perceptions of the trans community in the UK. Baker, an 18-year-old Warrington resident and recent Priestley College graduate, won the museum’s 2024 Open Exhibition, becoming its youngest winner, and the new show builds on her award-winning video 'Guttural.' Visitors can make choices after each video piece, shaping their own journey through the interactive exhibition.

New exhibition at Palmer Museum through July 27 calls for community response

The Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State has opened a new exhibition titled “Shaping American Histories, Dreaming American Futures,” on view through July 27. The show features works that explore diverse American histories, including Billy Morrow Jackson's lithograph “The Tattooed Man,” which references the 1963 Birmingham church bombing. Visitors are invited to contribute reflections on a community response wall, answering questions about the nation's past, present, and future via sticky notes.

A quartet of key art market players join forces to form ‘super group’ consultancy

Four prominent art market figures—Ed Dolman, Brett Gorvy, Patti Wong, and Phillip Hoffman—have launched a new consultancy called New Perspectives Art Partners. The group, which also includes Dolman's son Alex, aims to provide a white-glove, case-by-case service for top-tier clients, covering buying and selling art, estate management, financing, and insurance. Each member brings specialized expertise and geographic reach across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Asia, and they will maintain their existing roles in their own businesses.

The Best Art Shows of 2025, So Far

The New York Times has published a mid-year roundup of the best art exhibitions of 2025, highlighting standout shows across museums and galleries worldwide. The list includes critically acclaimed presentations of both emerging and established artists, with a focus on innovative curatorial approaches and significant thematic explorations.

This Spring, One Mega-Dealer Dominates N.Y.C. Museums

This spring, a single mega-dealer is exerting outsized influence over New York City's museum scene, with multiple exhibitions across major institutions featuring artists from their stable. The New York Times reports on how this dealer's dominance reflects the growing consolidation of power in the art world, where a handful of top galleries increasingly shape what museums show and collect.

Museums Tell Stories of American Independence

The New York Times article explores how museums across the United States are presenting exhibitions and narratives that examine the complex history of American independence, moving beyond traditional patriotic accounts to include perspectives on slavery, indigenous displacement, and ongoing struggles for freedom. These exhibitions incorporate diverse voices and artifacts to offer a more nuanced understanding of the nation's founding and its legacy.

National Art Museum of Kyiv Forced to Close After Russian Strike

Le Musée national d’art de Kiev contraint de fermer après une frappe russe

The National Art Museum of Ukraine (NAMU) in Kyiv was damaged during a massive Russian airstrike on the night of May 23-24, which involved 90 missiles and 600 drones. The museum has closed indefinitely after windows were blown out, window frames damaged, plaster fell from walls, and the skylight roof was hit. No staff or collections were harmed, as the main artworks had been evacuated to secret storage sites since February 2022. The museum had maintained partial activity with temporary exhibitions and conferences, and had loaned over sixty works to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium for the exhibition 'In the Eye of the Storm.'

A U.S. agency that funds culture wins a judicial reprieve

Une agence américaine qui finance la culture gagne un répit judiciaire

A U.S. federal court has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to cut funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a key agency supporting museums and libraries nationwide. The lawsuit was brought by the American Library Association (ALA) and the AFSCME union, with support from the legal organization Democracy Forward, arguing that the executive branch cannot unilaterally reduce programs authorized by Congress. The ruling temporarily halts the funding reductions, which were part of broader efforts to slash federal cultural spending during Donald Trump's second term.

The Savvy Balancing Act of the 'Bern 2026' Regional Sites

Le savant dosage des sites régionaux « Bern 2026 »

The French Heritage Foundation (Fondation du patrimoine) has announced the 2026 list of 18 emblematic regional sites selected for the 'Loto du patrimoine' (Heritage Lottery) funding initiative. The sites, chosen from 650 endangered candidates, include religious buildings like the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Kreisker in Saint-Pol-de-Léon and the Antana-Bé Mosque in Mayotte, forts and castles such as the Royal Castle of Senlis and Fort Boyard, as well as industrial, rural, and residential ensembles like the Beaufonds sugar factory in La Réunion. The selection balances architectural significance, state of decay, project maturity, and potential for revitalization.

Emmanuel Étienne Takes the Helm of the Compiègne-Blérancourt Museums

Emmanuel Étienne prend les rênes des musées de Compiègne-Blérancourt

Emmanuel Étienne has been appointed as the director of the national museums and estates of Compiègne and Blérancourt. The 48-year-old architect and urban planner, a heritage architect trained at the École de Chaillot, succeeds Rodolphe Rapetti, who has retired. He will oversee the complex, which includes the Château and national estate of Compiègne with its three museums, as well as the estate and the Franco-American Museum of Blérancourt.

Aging more slowly thanks to museums? Science confirms it

Vieillir moins vite grâce aux musées ? La science le confirme

A study published on May 11 in Innovation in Aging by University College London analyzed data from 3,556 adults in the UK, measuring their cultural engagement against biological age using epigenetic clocks. Researchers found that those who visit museums, exhibitions, concerts, or libraries at least once a week age approximately 4% more slowly than those who rarely participate. Even three cultural outings per year correlate with a 2% slowdown in biological aging, with monthly visits yielding a 3% effect—comparable to the benefits of physical exercise.

Arte Museum Las Vegas debuts BTS immersive exhibit as part of citywide 'The City' project

Arte Museum Las Vegas has launched a BTS-themed immersive exhibition titled "ARTE MUSEUM X BTS THE CITY ARIRANG," running from May 20 to June 17, 2026. Produced by digital design company d'strict, the exhibition is part of "THE CITY," a larger project connecting multiple urban locations with BTS's tour period. The installation pairs digital visual works with tracks from BTS's fifth studio album, ARIRANG, and includes a retitled "ARIRANG GARDEN" zone featuring five media art pieces. The exhibition opens a week before BTS's Las Vegas concert dates (May 23–28) and extends two weeks after.

Cumbria’s largest museum gains six new trustees

Cumbria's largest museum, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust in Carlisle, has appointed six new trustees to its board, expanding the total to 15 members. The new trustees include Lord Richard Inglewood, a former government minister; Lisa Middleton, head of marketing at National Museums Liverpool; Joanne Orr, former director of Tullie and ex-chief executive of Museums Galleries Scotland; Malcolm Rogers, a banking and finance specialist; Helen Smout, chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross; and John Stevenson, a former MP for Carlisle. The appointments were announced by Tullie chair Andrew Smith and director Andrew Mackay.

Philadelphia Art Museum Introduces Pay What You Wish Friday Nights for Final Three Weeks of Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100

The Philadelphia Art Museum has introduced Pay What You Wish Friday Nights for the final three weeks of its exhibition "Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100." The program, running through the exhibition's close, includes extended evening hours, live music, and themed "surreal" beverages, offering visitors flexible admission to the critically acclaimed show.

New Oxfordshire Museum exhibition marks over six decades of collaboration for local artists

A new free exhibition at The Oxfordshire Museum will showcase the works of local artists David Lockett and Peter Ross, whose friendship and professional collaboration spans over six decades. Opening on September 6 and running through September 21, the show features landscapes, portraits, and abstract works, with many pieces available for purchase. Lockett presents recent landscapes and seascapes painted from direct observation, while Ross exhibits a selection spanning fifty years, including his 2024 Open Art Competition-winning portrait “Emma Groves, Belfast 1978.”

The new cultural space by Sanlorenzo Arts where design, creativity and sustainability meet

Sanlorenzo Arts has inaugurated Casa Sanlorenzo, a new cultural space in Venice adjacent to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, opening on June 3 during the first edition of Venice Climate Week and the Venice Architecture Biennale. Designed by Piero Lissoni's architectural firm, the space blends history and contemporary design, featuring a restored building with adaptive lighting, a monumental glass staircase, and a new bridge connecting to the surroundings. It is not a traditional museum but a dynamic platform for art, design, and sustainability, hosting initiatives that reflect on contemporary society.

We Don't Need New Museums (We Need New Museum Forms!)

Non abbiamo bisogno di nuovi musei (abbiamo bisogno di nuove forme museali!)

The Museum of Artificial Intelligence and Immersive Art (MAIIA) has announced the opening of a second location in Palermo, signaling a growing international interest in Italy's contemporary art scene. While the expansion is welcomed, critics warn that such developments often prioritize real estate investment over genuine cultural production, potentially leading to neighborhood gentrification rather than authentic community enrichment.

For Bob Baker Marionette Theater, ‘Choo Choo Revue’ is more than a show. It's a statement

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles is debuting its first new production in 45 years, titled 'Choo Choo Revue,' after shifting away from a previously planned show, 'Arabian Nights,' that was spearheaded by the late founder Bob Baker. The new show features original puppets like a pelican-frog duo and is directed by Alex Evans, who also serves as co-executive director. The theater recently announced its intent to purchase its Highland Park venue for $5 million and performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where the show sold out its first week.