The Easter season and the following months offer an excellent opportunity to combine travel and art with first class international proposals.
This selection brings together art exhibitions that balance big names, interesting curatorial contexts and attractive destinations, ideal for both short breaks in Europe and more ambitious trips.
Lot 35313494 – From Setdart to Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
Art exhibitions in Spain
“In the manner of Italy. Spain and the Mediterranean Gothic” – Museo del Prado
May 26 – September 20, 2026
More than an exhibition of “big names”, this proposal stands out for its approach: to understand how artistic ideas traveled in the Middle Ages. Through paintings and key pieces, it is clear how Italy influenced Spanish artists and vice versa. It is one of the most well-constructed art exhibitions of the season, easy to follow and especially interesting if you like to understand the context behind the works. Perfect for a leisurely visit in Madrid.
“Ruth Asawa: Retrospective” – Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
March 19 – September 13
Here the approach is completely different: a contemporary, visual and very sensory art exhibition. Asawa’s wire sculptures play with space, light and repetition, creating light but very involving pieces. It’s one of those retrospectives that works whether you know the artist or not. It also fits very well with the museum experience itself, ideal for a weekend getaway.
“Guercino and his biblical heroines” – Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza
From March 16 to June 14, 2026
This relevant exhibition delves into the figure of Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, ‘Il Guercino’, one of the most outstanding painters of the Italian Baroque. The exhibition focuses on his ability to portray female psychology through powerful biblical figures, combining dramatic intensity with impeccable technique. It is a unique opportunity to observe the stylistic evolution of the master, from his initial naturalism to his most classical and refined stage. Undoubtedly, one of the unmissable appointments within the art exhibitions in Spain this year.
Art exhibitions in Europe
“Rothko in Florence” – Palazzo Strozzi (Florence, Italy).
March 14 through August 23, 2026
An unusual dialogue between Rothko’s abstraction and Renaissance architecture. His color fields invite to a contemplative experience, where space and light are essential. The exhibition is committed to an immersive and emotional journey. A very solid option for those looking for introspective art exhibitions.
“Matisse 1941 – 1954” – Grand Palais (Paris, France)
From March 24 through July 26, 2026
Focused on his last years, the exhibition highlights Matisse’s creative freedom through his most synthetic cut-outs and compositions. A luminous tour that shows his ability to reinvent himself. It is one of the most recommended art exhibitions in Europe to understand his modern legacy.
“Leonora Carrington” – Musée du Luxembourg (Paris, France)
From February 16 through July 19, 2026
A review of Carrington’s symbolic universe, where the surreal and the magical intertwine. The exhibition vindicates her role within surrealism with a personal and suggestive narrative. Ideal for those looking for less conventional art exhibitions.
“Basquiat Headstrong” – Louisiana Museum (Humlebæk, Denmark)
From January 30 to May 17
An intense exhibition that traces Basquiat’s direct and symbolic language. Text, figure and social criticism are combined in works of great energy. Very connected to contemporary sensibilities.
Art exhibitions in the United States
“Raphael: Sublime Poetry” – The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) (New York)
From March 29 to June 28
A rigorous tour of Raphael’s work, focusing on his compositional mastery and influence. The exhibition combines key works and preparatory studies. A safe bet within the classical art exhibitions.
“Marcel Duchamp” – Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (New York)
April 12 through August 22, 2026
A key review of the father of conceptual art. The exhibition allows us to understand the impact of his thought on contemporary art. Essential for a more theoretical look at art exhibitions in the United States.
Delve into the creative worlds of some of the most relevant figures in art through this careful selection of exhibitions, curated by our specialists.
We invite you to discover more about art at Setdart. Check our calendar to explore the catalog of our upcoming auctions.
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