7 art exhibitions worth travelling for, plus where to stay

Finding an excuse to travel is never exactly necessary, but sometimes a specific event can inspire a whole trip or make the decision between two destinations that much easier. A landmark art exhibition or a unique chance to see the work of someone you admire up close is a great starting point for visiting a new place, or perhaps revisiting somewhere you love spending time in.

This autumn and winter we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to art happenings, and we’ve made things a little easier by narrowing down a few enticing exhibitions around the world worth packing your bags (and sketchbooks) for.

1. Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at The National Gallery, London

The National Gallery is pulling out all the stops for their 200th birthday with a once-in-a-century show of Van Gogh’s work, some rarely seen in public before. Focusing on the last two years of his life when he lived in the south of France, the exhibit demonstrates his colourful style at its most distinct. Expect to see some of his most recognised paintings up close including Starry Night over the Rhône and The Yellow House as well as his lesser-known drawings.

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at The National Gallery runs 14 September 2024 19 January 2025

Where to stay: Flemings Mayfair, a chic boutique hotel housed in a handsome Georgian townhouse that is just 20 minutes’ walk from The National Gallery.

4. Mexican Prints at the Vanguard, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Mexico’s rich history of printmaking is in the spotlight at this new Met museum exhibit. The vibrant collection of over 130 works from the 18th to mid-20th century includes woodcuts, lithographs and screen prints. The curated collection tells the story of Mexican history during this period and the important role printmaking had in addressing social and political concerns.

Mexican Prints at the Vanguard runs 12 September 2024 — 5 January 2025

Where to stay: WestHouse Hotel offers a great Midtown address (and a half-hour-walk through Central Park to the Met) with a glamorous 1920s feel.

Pictured: Carlos Mérida (Guatemalan, 1891–1984), Abstract composition, from the portfolio Motivos, 1936. Published by Ediciones Arte Mexicano, Mexico City. Woodcut, 8 15/16 × 6 5/16 in. (22.7 × 16 cm). Gift of Jean Charlot, 1938 (38.72.7). Carlos Merida © 2024 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / SOMAAP, Mexico City.

7. Magritte at Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney

Surrealism is also making headlines in the Southern hemisphere with the recently revamped Art Gallery of NSW dedicating an exhibition to the celebrated Belgian Surrealist René Magritte. Known for depicting ordinary objects and everyday settings in unusual ways (think clouds, apples and hats), the in-depth exhibit features more than 100 works, most of which have never been seen before in Australia.

Magritte runs 26 October 2024 – 9 February 2025

Where to stay: Ovolo Woolloomooloo’s waterside location is a stone’s throw from the CBD (and the Art Gallery of NSW) and offers calm and spacious rooms with excellent views over the city skyline.

Pictured: René Magritte, The Invisible World (1954), The Menil Collection, Houston © Copyright Agency, Sydney 2024. Photograph by James Craven.

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