From Venice’s Biennale to Abu Dhabi’s new museums and Los Angeles’s latest openings, 2026 is packed with unmissable art experiences around the world. These 11 cities are setting the pace for culture and creativity this year.
1. Venice, Italy
Why visit? The Venice Biennale 2026, “In Minor Keys,” spotlights subtle artistic voices and underrepresented perspectives. Meanwhile, Marina Abramović’s retrospective opens at Gallerie dell’Accademia, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection continues its celebrated modernist program. These one-year-only exhibitions, combined with the city’s historic museums and architecture, make Venice a top destination for both contemporary innovation and historic art this year.
2. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Why visit? 2026 marks the near-completion of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed to host monumental contemporary works. The Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to showcase international masterpieces in its coastal building, while the Zayed National Museum offers immersive exhibitions exploring the history of the United Arab Emirates. Together, these institutions position Abu Dhabi as a global museum hub in 2026.
3. Doha, Qatar
Why visit? Doha hosts its inaugural Art Basel Qatar (Feb 3–7), bringing 87 galleries from 31 countries. The Rubaiya Qatar quadrennial debuts in November with “Unruly Waters,” a citywide exhibition exploring regional themes. Mathaf Museum celebrates its 15th anniversary with expanded programming, and the newly opened M.F. Husain Museum showcases Indian modernist works. Doha combines emerging regional voices with major international art events this year.
4. Sydney, Australia
Why visit? The 25th Biennale of Sydney (Mar 14–Jun 14) transforms industrial sites and harbor-front institutions under the theme “Rememory.” Vivid Sydney’s light and multimedia installations and Sydney Contemporary (Sept 5–8) create a multi-layered experience that merges international contemporary art with local culture. Sydney’s 2026 events offer a rare combination of large-scale exhibitions and accessible public art experiences.
5. Bangkok, Thailand
Why visit? Bangkok’s fifth Art Biennale (Oct 2026), themed “Angels and Mara,” activates temples like Wat Pho, public spaces, and significant cultural institutions. Dib Bangkok, with 1,000 contemporary works, and Bangkok Kunsthalle, hosting conceptual exhibitions, complement the Biennale. Museum Siam’s historical narratives contextualize the art, making Bangkok a 2026 destination for cultural immersion.
6. Mexico City, Mexico
Why visit? Mexico City celebrates 2026 with Zona Maco (Feb 4–8), Latin America’s premier contemporary art fair, and the National Museum of Anthropology’s temporary exhibitions. Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s home, hosts curated shows, while street art districts like Roma showcase site-specific murals. The combination of one-year-only exhibitions, cultural heritage, and contemporary works makes the city exceptional this year.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Why visit? 2026 sees Calder Gardens officially open, displaying Alexander Calder’s mobiles, stabiles, and works on paper. The Barnes Foundation presents Sky Hopinka’s “Red Metral Dust”, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts a solo exhibition of Noah Davis. City murals, including Amy Sherald’s six-story Center City work, make Philadelphia a top 2026 destination to experience art indoors and outdoors.
8. Lagos, Nigeria
Why visit? Lagos hosts the fifth Lagos Biennial (Oct 17–Dec 18), exploring themes of ancestry, urban life, and cultural memory. ART X Lagos (Nov 5–8) highlights emerging African talent, and the Àkéte Collection opens its permanent home, creating a significant new archive of contemporary African art. Lagos in 2026 is a must-visit for discovering the continent’s most influential artists and cultural programming.
9. Malta
Why visit? The Malta Biennale (Mar 11–May 29) stages contemporary works in historic palazzos and fortresses under the theme “CLEAN | CLEAR | CUT.” MUŻA’s 2026 program spans 15th- to 21st-century works, Valletta Contemporary presents international blue-chip exhibitions, and the Malta International Arts Festival in June offers site-specific performance art. Malta combines heritage and contemporary programming in a Mediterranean setting this year.
10. London, United Kingdom
Why visit? London’s 2026 program includes a major Rembrandt exhibition at the National Gallery, a long-awaited early Islamic art display at the British Museum, and the Tate Modern’s survey of Marina Abramović. The Victoria & Albert Museum presents a contemporary fashion and design show, ensuring London is particularly timely for both historical treasures and cutting-edge exhibitions this year.
11. Los Angeles, California, USA
Why visit? 2026 marks the official opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, showcasing cinematic and narrative-driven collections. LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries launch a contemporary photography wing, and the Hammer Museum hosts a survey of emerging West Coast artists. Public art in Downtown Los Angeles and the Arts District, combined with these year-specific exhibitions, makes Los Angeles a 2026 hotspot for contemporary culture.
