Discover the best art exhibitions and openings in Europe for 2024, from Frans Hals in Amsterdam to Anselm Kiefer in Florence. Get a glimpse of the key art events and what to expect in these must-see shows.
Key Takeaways
- A remarkable series of charcoal portraits by Frank Auerbach will be showcased at The Courtauld, London, highlighting the post-war impact on art.
- Celebrating Dutch Golden Age with Hals’s famous "The Laughing Cavalier" in Amsterdam after its 150-year journey back home.
- Vienna’s Albertina honors Roy Lichtenstein's 100th birthday with an exhibition featuring key works like "Drowning Girl".
Best Europe Art Exhibitions and Openings in 2024
Get ready for an exciting tour through Europe’s art scene in 2024! This year is packed with amazing art exhibitions, from the charcoal masterpieces of Frank Auerbach in London to the vibrant Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein in Vienna. Join us as we explore these must-see exhibitions, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of art. From historic masterpieces to contemporary creations, these shows are sure to inspire art lovers of all kinds.
Frank Auerbach: The Charcoal Heads – The Courtauld, London (9 February – 27 May 2024)
Frank Auerbach’s series of charcoal portraits, created during the 1950s and 1960s, display an intense exploration of materiality. The Courtauld’s exhibition presents seventeen of these works, loaned from various collections, reflecting Auerbach’s early career and the scars of World War II.
Frans Hals – Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (16 February – 9 June 2024)
Following the success of the Vermeer exhibition, the Rijksmuseum spotlights Frans Hals, a pivotal Dutch Golden Age painter. His works, including the famous ‘Laughing Cavalier’, are celebrated for their vivacity and expressive brushwork.
Roy Lichtenstein: A Centennial Exhibition – The Albertina, Vienna (8 March – 14 July 2024)
Marking Roy Lichtenstein’s 100th birthday, this retrospective at The Albertina showcases his influence in the Pop Art movement. It features iconic pieces like ‘Drowning Girl’ and explores lesser-known areas of his work.
Ingres and Delacroix: Artists’ Objects – Musée National Eugène Delacroix, Paris (20 March – 10 June 2024)
This exhibition at the Musée National Eugène Delacroix delves into the rivalry between Ingres and Delacroix. It uniquely explores their art through the personal objects they surrounded themselves with, offering insight into their creative worlds.
Anselm Kiefer: Fallen Angels – Palazzo Strozzi, Florence (22 March – 28 July 2024)
Anselm Kiefer’s exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi, ‘Fallen Angels’, highlights his multi-layered paintings reflecting post-war Germany. It includes both his celebrated and previously unseen works, curated by Arturo Galansino.
Paris 1874: Inventing Impressionism – Musée d’Orsay, Paris (26 March – 14 July 2024)
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of a landmark exhibition that launched Impressionism, the Musée d’Orsay’s show brings together over 130 artworks. It juxtaposes Impressionist works with those from the same year’s Salon.
Edvard Munch: Horizons – Munch Museum, Oslo (From 13 April 2024)
The Munch Museum’s exhibition explores the influences on European art from 1880 to 1950, the span of Munch’s career. It places Munch’s works in context with other Modernist artists, curated by Lars Toft-Eriksen.
Willem de Kooning and Italy – Galleria dell’Accademia, Venice (16 April – 15 September 2024)
Coinciding with the Venice Biennale, this exhibition focuses on Willem de Kooning’s transformative visits to Italy. Curated by Gary Garrels and Mario Codognato, it showcases works influenced by his Italian experiences.
Caspar David Friedrich: Infinite Landscapes – Nationalgalerie, Berlin (19 April – 4 August 2024)
Marking Friedrich’s 250th birthday, the Nationalgalerie hosts a major survey of his works. The exhibition includes iconic paintings like ‘The Sea of Ice’, revealing Friedrich’s profound impact on Romanticism.
Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and the Blue Rider – Tate Modern, London (25 April – 20 October 2024)
Tate Modern’s exhibition delves into the Blue Rider group’s influence on the foundation of abstraction. It features over 130 works from the world’s largest collection of Blue Rider art, emphasizing their avant-garde spirit.
Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection – V&A South Kensington, London (18 May 2024 – 5 January 2025)
This extensive photography exhibition showcases over 300 photographs from Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s collection. It explores themes from 9/11 to jazz music, highlighting key moments in modern history.
When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting – Kunstmuseum Basel (25 May – 27 October 2024)
Traveling from Cape Town, this exhibition at Kunstmuseum Basel examines self-representation by Black artists globally. Curated by Koyo Kouoh, it includes over 150 artists, offering a nuanced view of Black figuration in painting.
NAOMI – Victoria & Albert Museum, London (22 June 2024 – 6 April 2025)
Celebrating Naomi Campbell’s 40-year career, the V&A’s exhibition explores her influence as a model, activist, and actress. It features over 100 outfits and photographs, showcasing her impact on fashion and cultural history.
Art Povera – Bourse de Commerce, Paris (9 October 2024 – 24 March 2025)
Curated by Arte Povera expert Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, this exhibition examines the Italian “Poor Art” movement. It showcases works that explore the boundaries between nature and culture, utilizing everyday materials.
These exhibitions offer a journey through centuries of art history, showcasing masterpieces and key figures that have shaped the European art scene. From classic to contemporary, these shows promise a rich and diverse exploration of artistic expression.
