The National Art Center, Tokyo

https://www.nact.jp/english/

This gorgeous building houses a wealth of art. The current shows I got to see were:

 

Prism of the Real: Making Art in Japan 1989-2010

September 3 – December 8, 2025

The exhibition traces how Japanese art evolved during a pivotal 20-year period—from 1989 (the end of the Shōwa era) through to 2010—when Japan and the world were undergoing rapid globalization, social shifts and the breakdown of old certainties.

It features the work of over 50 artists from Japan and abroad, examining how artists in Japan engaged with new international currents while also reflecting on Japan’s own history, identity and cultural transformation. As someone who wasn’t that familiar with modern Japanese art this exhibit felt like a crash course. And left me doing my own research on different artists I had just discovered.

BVLGARI KALEIDOS: COLORS, CULTURES AND CRAFTS

September 17 – December 15, 2025

The exhibition fosters a dialogue between Italy and Japan, between tradition and innovation, between craft and contemporary art. The show highlights the interplay of Italian (Roman) jewellery heritage and Japanese aesthetics—how craftsmanship, design culture and color sensibilities intersect across cultures. For example, the scenography is a collaborative effort between Italian and Japanese studios.

It also emphasises craft: the high-jewellery techniques, the bold gemstone combinations in Bvlgari’s history. All in all a very fun way to discover an iconic brand in an unusual setting, that revealed the truly museum worthiness of this jewelry.

MORI Art Museum

https://www.mori.art.museum/en/
A breathtaking view of Tokyo and a very interesting modern art museum. The exhibit I got to see was:

The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest

July 2 – Nov. 9, 2025

This is the first major survey exhibition of Sou Fujimoto’s architectural career, covering roughly 30 years of his work—from early projects to future-oriented concepts. Fujimoto’s architecture often explores the boundary between nature and the built environment: he uses metaphors like the forest, openness, many layers and ambiguous boundaries.
As a former art school student it was fun to watch his foam core concepts become immense buildings and see his process from start to finish.

Yoyoi Kusama Museum

https://yayoikusamamuseum.jp/en/home/

The exhibition “Fighting Woman / Painting Girl” at the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo (October 16, 2025 – March 8, 2026) explores two contrasting yet complementary identities in Kusama’s long career: the “fighting woman” and the “painting girl.”

The exhibition assembles early drawings, sculptures from her “Accumulation” phase confronting her fears around sexuality and form, archival documentation of performances and bold fashion projects, along with more recent painting series and 3-D works of girls and flowers. It also includes a world-premiere small mirror room. Check this out if you can tickets are limited and not sold at the door!

teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM

https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/tokyo/

The museum offers a truly immersive digital-art experience. Visitors wander through large, darkened spaces filled with floor-to-ceiling projections, motion-sensors, mirrors, and light installations that respond to movement and presence.
If you’re in Tokyo and you have time, this is well worth visiting — especially if you enjoy light, technology, interactive art and want something different from the standard museum.

The Hakone Open Air Museum

https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/en/

The museum’s location is so lovely — tucked in the mountains of Hakone, one hardly knows where to look first, the art or the scenery.

The sculpture park is large and maze-like with a winding path that trails lead off of. Stay focused and meander through large‑scale works by very famous sculptors (e.g., Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso).

There are indoor offerings as well including the Picasso Pavilion featuring an impressive collection of his works across media in a single museum. There is something here for everyone from children to art aficionados. I keep thinking of this lovely place all the time. It’s well worth the trek!

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Liz Collins | The Giardini

James Lee Byars and Seung Taek Lee – Invisible Questions that Fill the Air

 The Arsenale

Mataaho Collective | The Arsenale

Art Treks goes to the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s premier art events! Take a dive with Art Business News into the world’s most prestigious art festival — we’ll explore stunning pavilions and cutting-edge exhibitions. For all you art enthusiasts planning your 2024 adventures, the Venice Biennale should definitely be on your list. It’s on until November 24th so there’s still plenty of time to prepare and ensure you experience everything this prestigious biennale has to offer!

 

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this global art phenomenon. If this is your first visit, read on for essential tips and advice on making the most of this iconic art event.

US Pavilion – Jeffrey Gibson: The Space in Which to Place Me

Curators: Kathleen Ash-Milby, Abigail Winograd
Exhibitor: Jeffrey Gibson

German Pavilion – Thresholds

Curator: Çağla Ilk
Exhibitors: Yael Bartana, Ersan Mondtag, Michael Akstaller, Nicole L’Huillier, Robert Lippok, Jan St. Werner

Hungary Pavilion – Techno Zen

Curator: Róna Kopeczky
Exhibitor: Márton Nemes

Polish Pavilion – Repeat After Me II

Curator: Marta Czyż
Exhibitors: Open Group (Yuriy Biley, Pavlo Kovach, Anton Varga)
Repeat after Me II is a collective portrait of witnesses of the war in Ukraine.

South African Pavilion – Quiet Ground

Curator: Portia Malatjie
Exhibitors: MADEYOULOOK (Molemo Moiloa & Nare Mokgotho)

Saudi Arabia Pavilion – Shifting Sands: A Battle Song

Curators: Jessica Cerasi, Maya El Khalil
Exhibitor: Manal AlDowayan

Punta Della Dogana
Pierre Huyghe – liminal

Pierre Huyghe has since long questioned the relation between the human and the non-human, and conceives his works as speculative fictions from which emerge other modalities of world. Wander through this dynamic, sensitive milieu that is perpetually evolving. The exhibition is a transitory state inhabited by human and non-human creatures and becomes the site of formation of subjectivities that are constantly learning, changing, and hybridizing. You’ll be confronted by completely original video installations that will make you ponder long after you’ve left.

Museo Fortuny
Eva Jospin – Selva

This exhibit begins quietly and builds to a stunning conclusion. The humble materials and consummate craftsmanship are a wonder. The artworks engage deeply with both the historical and environmental context of their setting—the ancient Palazzo Pesaro. They also interact with the museum’s collections, particularly the diverse and rich artistic works of Mariano Fortuny, uncovering unexpected and sometimes surprising aesthetic and methodological connections.
Truly a must-see.

Museo Correr
Francesco Vezzoli – Museum of Tears

Vezzoli juxtaposes his works—both historical and contemporary, including new pieces created specifically for this exhibition—with the masterpieces of the Museo Correr collection. His goal is to foster a dialogue and create a new narrative where art history is reimagined as a living, dynamic entity. By blending themes and iconographies, especially religious ones, from different eras, he explores concepts such as identity, authorship, emotion, and the relationship with the past without denying or erasing it. While the exhibit is quite site specific, the contrast between Vezzoli’s modern conceptual works and traditional Venetian art offers intriguing visual comparisons and prompts thoughtful questions.

Gallerie dell’Accademia
Willem De Kooning L’Italia

Willem de Kooning, one of the most revolutionary and influential artists of the 20th century, is the focus of a highly anticipated major exhibition. This show explores the profound impact Italy had on De Kooning’s work, highlighting how Italian art and culture shaped his innovative approach.

Palazzo Loredan
James Lee Byars and Seung Taek Lee – Invisible Questions that Fill the Air

The exhibition spans over six decades of work, solidifying both Byars’ and Lee’s roles as pivotal figures in 20th and 21st-century avant-garde art. The display features stunning compositions that highlight the interplay between the art and the architecture, with intriguing juxtapositions arising from the coexistence of both artists’ works in the same space.

Palazzo Franchetti
Your Ghosts Are Mine

The palazzo is filled with stunning and haunting videos in this original exhibition produced by Qatar Museums. The moving images delve into contemporary themes of community life, memory, transnational crossings, and exile. These films stand apart from mainstream media and cultural industry norms, carving their own unique paths. They are deeply aware of their role as historical artifacts, particularly when they emerge from countries ravaged by conflict or lacking in preserved memorabilia.

The post ART TREKS: Venice Biennale 2024 appeared first on Art Business News.

However, others managed to handle these difficult times and switched to online. This year has been a tough one not only because of these abrupt changes but because of the effects they’ve had on people’s mental health. Not being able to travel, to meet with your friends, and needing to spend so much time inside drained some people of energy and positivity. Mental health problems are on the rise, but so are the solutions that can help people manage these times successfully.

Even though we are not allowed to travel as we did before, there are new options available. You can explore art museums, fairs, and events from the comfort of your own home. Think about the most popular museums and places and the huge queue from the entrance. Now you don’t have to wait in the queue or travel to enjoy them because a new door has opened.

We will share 8 virtual museum tours and interesting events you can attend while lounging comfortably on your couch.

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

You have probably heard about Machu Picchu and the mysteries that surround it. Built in the 15th century, this Inca citadel was later abandoned. Maybe one of the most astonishing things about Machu Picchu is the fact that it is located on a 2430-meter mountain range, in the Andes Mountains.

Taking into consideration the fact that the walls and buildings were built without mortar and they are arranged according to astronomical principles, Machu Picchu became an international attraction. More than 2,500 visitors a day and more than half a million annually were visiting this Inca citadel until 2020.

Now, you can explore the astonishing beauty of Machu Picchu and admire the panoramic views online. This UNESCO Heritage Site can be visited in 360-degree views. During this tour, you will also find out more about its history and mysteries because the voice of a narrator will tell you the story of this Inca settlement.

2. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Who has not heard about the famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, known for cutting his ear and his unmistakable painting style? He painted over 2,000 artworks, most of them dating from the last two years of his life. Some of these famous paintings can be admired at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Here you can find out more about his life, relationship with his brother Theo, and the most used techniques in painting.

Van Gogh Museum can be explored from the comfort of your home. It represents the largest collection of artworks by this tragic painter and you can get the chance to see over 700 paintings and drawings, as well as over 750 personal letters.

3. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the wonders you must see at least once in your life. These incredible artworks created by humans in secluded and inaccessible places arouse your admiration for the human race. However, the Great Wall of China is threatened by climate change and people are trying to preserve it by offering virtual tours. If you head straight to Google’s project Heritage on the Edge and you can explore it in 3D.

4. The Louvre, Paris

We can all remember those endless and discouraging queues in front of the Louvre. It is one of the most famous and visited museums in the world, every year seeing millions of international visitors. However, due to the current restrictions, the Louvre is closed for visitors. But, exploring it through a virtual tour is now possible. You can explore Egyptian artifacts, admire DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, the statue of Venus de Milo, the Code of Hammurabi, and more than 30,000 individual artworks.

5. Guggenheim Museum, New York City

On the list of the most visited and popular museums of the world, the Guggenheim Museum ranks near the Louvre. The architecture of the museum is a monument to modernism that houses art collections and special exhibitions. Guggenheim Museum in New York is a must-see for every age, having lots of exhibitions and galleries to admire, but also amazing architecture, both inside and outside the building. Here you can see artworks by Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, or Paul Cezanne.

6. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium is one of the most amazing aquariums in the world. In fact, it is the largest aquarium in the western world, being the only institution outside Asia that houses whale sharks. You can explore the amazing underwater life with a live tour of the aquarium. It has seven major galleries you can visit and learn more about thousands of animals and species you can now see virtually.

7. The Broad, Los Angeles

The Broad is a contemporary art museum in Los Angeles that houses over 200 artworks of the Broad’s collection. Even though the museum generally offers free admission to its galleries, it’s now closed due to the current state of the world. However, you can virtually explore the galleries of The Broad museum, and its most popular room, the Infinite Mirrored Room of Yayoi Kusama. Now you can spend all day in the twinkling abyss of the infinite.

8. A Trip to Mars

Even though real trips to Mars are not available, NASA has teamed up with Google to offer people all over the world a virtual tour to Mars. The Red Planet has always aroused humanity’s interest and now you can explore it in a 3D Virtual Tour and find out more about its surface and history. Thanks to technology, you can explore outer space without leaving your home. How wonderful is this?

Conclusion

The world has changed, and it will continue to evolve in ways we cannot even imagine. For the moment, there are travel restrictions. And for people who love exploring new places and meeting new cultures, this is a major drawback and disappointment. However, to stop the spread of the virus, these restrictions are necessary.

Choosing to see the full part of the glass is important during these times, and it can foster more positive experiences. Virtual tours can be a saving option, especially because you can choose what iconic and historical place you want to explore. You can choose from a wide variety of historical sites, museums, aquariums, and iconic places that can be explored for free, from the comfort of your own home. Give it a try — start exploring and visiting virtually.

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Author Bio: Michael Gorman is a highly skilled freelance writer and proofreader from the UK who offers the essay writer at a dissertation writing service and essay writing service uk. Being interested in everyday development, he writes various blog posts and discovers new aspects of human existence every day. Michael loves traveling, history, and deciphering myths of the ancient world. Feel free to contact him via Facebook or check his Twitter. 

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by Rebecca Pahle

New York, London and Paris are among the great cities of the world for gallery hopping or visiting a museum or two. But, to do so, you may have to also elbow your way through crowds on public transportation and pay exorbitant prices for accommodations and dining. Sometimes, you might just want something a little less hectic—smaller, perhaps, but just as artistically enriching for it. Don’t worry: we have your back. Next time you’re thinking about booking a flight to LaGuardia, why not try one of these less well-known artistic hot spots instead?

Asheville, N.C.
A stone’s throw from the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is a prime location for artistic inspiration, so this small Southern town is packed to the gills with galleries, museums and culture. The River Arts District (riverartsdistrict.com) has many arts-and-crafts studios and classes, and more than 20 galleries are within easy strolling distance from each other at the Downtown Asheville Art District (ashevilledowntowngalleries.org).

Beacon, N.Y.
A large part of Beacon’s charm is its vibrant arts culture, which includes Dia:Beacon (diaart.org/sites/main/beacon), one of the country’s largest museums of contemporary art. But another major draw is not what’s in Beacon but what’s near it: the many art-friendly cities dotting the Hudson Valley, including New Windsor, home of the Storm King Art Center (stormking.org), and Peekskill, with its Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art (hvcca.org)—both only a short drive from Beacon.

Crested Butte, Colo.
During the winter, Crested Butte is a ski town through and through, but in summer it becomes the perfect vacation spot for lovers of nature, hiking, mountain biking and art. “The dramatic beauty of Crested Butte attracts artistic adventurers,” writes Teresa Rijks, co-owner of the Rijks Family Gallery (rijksgallery.com), one of the 12 participants in Artists of the West Elks’ summer Art Walk (awearts.org). “Thus, the art lover who visits Crested Butte will be amazed by the number of opportunities to meet artists, take classes and visit galleries in this small mountain town.”

New Bedford, Mass.
About an hour south of Boston, New Bedford has recently become a mecca for artists, thanks to the city’s conscious effort over the last few years to develop a “creative economy” that involves encouraging the growth of galleries and cultural institutions. This cozy seaside town offers a lot for art enthusiasts to see. Attractions include, for example, the ArtWorks! community art space (artworksforyou.org) or the interestingly named UGLY (U Gotta Love Yourself) Gallery (uglygallery.com), which focuses on progressive art and street culture. If you get overwhelmed by art after a while and want to mix it up a bit, you might consider the New Bedford Whaling Museum (whalingmuseum.org).

San Juan, Puerto Rico
In Old San Juan, the historic colonial district of the Puerto Rican capital, centuries-old buildings are themselves works of art. Within them, you’ll find shops; live-music venues; art galleries, including the Galería Botello (botello.com); and museums, such as the Museo de Las Américas (museolasamericas.org). A short drive from Old San Juan is the Santurce arts district, home to art spaces that the New York Times once described as having “an offbeat style that’s more Lower East Side than Latin Caribbean.”

Santa Fe, N.M.
The problem with taking a vacation to Santa Fe is that you might have a hard time leaving at the end of it. No matter how long your trip is, it probably will be too short to visit the more than 200 galleries and museums the city has to offer. Some that you might want to cross off your list include the Blue Rain Gallery of American Indian and regional art (blueraingallery.com) and the Museum of International Folk Art (internationalfolkart.org). For those looking for inspiration for their own work, it’s tough to beat Santa Fe’s natural beauty. You can explore the local attractions during horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and skiing, depending on the season.

Saugatuck, Mich.
With a year-round population that hovers around 1,000, Saugatuck can’t compete with fellow Lake Michigan coast city Chicago in the number of available galleries and art studios. But it doesn’t need to. Since its creative beginnings as an art colony in the 19th century, it has managed to do just fine for itself. The city’s dozen-plus galleries, including Roan & Black (roanandblack.com) and the African-themed Amazwi Contemporary Art (amazwi.com) lure in the tourists, who can also partake in the art exhibits, theater and musical performances at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (sc4a.org).

Savannah, Ga.
Get a dose of Southern charm in this Georgia town, where the Savannah Arts Academy and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) contribute to a bustling arts scene. A big part of that scene is the First Friday Art March (artmarchsavannah.com), where galleries and studios, including the Non-Fiction Gallery (henandcake.com/flourless), open their doors to the public and local artists set up their easels along De Soto Avenue. At other times, you can check out the award-winning SCAD Museum of Art (scadmoa.org), which draws a vast array of professional artists from around the world.

St. Augustine, Fla.
As the United States’ oldest continuously occupied European settlement—or, as its residents call it, “the nation’s oldest city”—St. Augustine has its fair share of gorgeous Spanish colonial-era buildings. But the city’s art scene feels anything but old. The monthly First Friday Art Walk (artgalleriesofstaugustine.org/firstfridayartwalk) invites visitors to explore the galleries in St. Augustine’s historic downtown district, and a free shuttle service makes it easy to get to venues such as the Grand Bohemian Gallery (grandbohemiangallery.com) and the St. Augustine Art Association (staaa.org), which has a new juried exhibit every month. While there, be sure to visit St. Augustine’s numerous beautiful beaches.

Taos, N.M.
Taos is the place to be if you want to intersperse visits to exciting, creatively stimulating galleries and museums with a healthy dose of R&R. “Taos is a place to rejuvenate in all the arts and culture,” says Robert Wilder Nightingale, owner of Wilder Nightingale Fine Art (wnightingale.com) and president of the Taos Gallery Association (taosgalleryassoc.com). Visitors to the city, which has more than 80 art galleries in addition to year-round arts-and-crafts festivals, “will leave… refreshed and renewed mentally and physically.

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