This article highlights 11 must-see museum exhibitions for summer 2025, curated by Monica Jae Yeon Moon. Key shows include Melissa Joseph's site-specific installation 'Tender' at the Brooklyn Museum, a comprehensive solo exhibition of 18th-century Dutch still life painter Rachel Ruysch at the Toledo Museum of Art and Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and a queer photography exhibition at the Getty Center. Other notable events include the Venice Architecture Biennale, Berlin Biennale, and Ljubljana Biennial, with a focus on women artists like Emily Kam Kngwarray and Takako Yamaguchi receiving overdue recognition.
The article matters because it captures a pivotal moment in the art world where museums are prioritizing underrepresented voices, particularly women artists and queer perspectives, in major summer exhibitions. The inclusion of emerging artists like Melissa Joseph alongside historical figures like Rachel Ruysch reflects a broader institutional shift toward equity and historical re-evaluation. Additionally, the mention of international biennials underscores the global nature of contemporary art discourse, making this a key resource for art enthusiasts planning summer travel.