This episode of The Art Newspaper's 'The Week in Art' podcast, hosted by Ben Luke, covers three major stories. First, the National Gallery in London reopens its Sainsbury Wing after a two-year closure, featuring a major architectural overhaul by Annabelle Selldorf and a complete rehang of the collection; Luke tours the space with director Gabriele Finaldi. Second, Tate Modern celebrates its 25th anniversary, with Luke discussing its impact and future with Louisa Buck and Dale Berning Sawa. Third, the Work of the Week segment highlights Inge Mahn's sculpture 'Balancing Towers' (1989), featured in the exhibition 'Are we still up to it?' – Art & Democracy at Herrenchiemsee Palace, discussed with co-curator Oliver Kase.
This episode matters because it captures three significant moments in the contemporary art world: the reopening of a major London institution after a transformative renovation, the milestone anniversary of a museum that reshaped the city's cultural landscape, and a politically engaged exhibition in a unique venue that connects art with democracy. Together, these stories reflect ongoing conversations about institutional renewal, public engagement, and the role of art in society.