Best New Museum Exhibitions in Europe in 2025: Must-See Art & Culture Events

Europe is a treasure trove of world-class museums, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for art and history enthusiasts! Whether you're drawn to contemporary masterpieces, historical retrospectives, or cutting-edge interactive experiences, this year's lineup of museum exhibitions promises something for everyone.

From London to Rome, Berlin to Madrid, curators are preparing to unveil some of the most ambitious exhibitions yet. These displays of art are immersive journeys into culture, identity, and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned museum-goer or just looking for an unforgettable experience, this guide will highlight the exhibitions you simply can’t miss in 2025.

Top Museum Exhibitions in London 2025

London, always at the forefront of the art world, is rolling out a dazzling array of exhibitions in 2025. At Tate Modern, "The Evolution of Francis Bacon" (March-July) is one of the most anticipated retrospectives of the year, exploring the haunting, visceral works of the 20th-century master. The show promises an in-depth look at Bacon’s evolution, featuring rarely seen sketches, personal notes, and multimedia installations that offer insight into his creative process. Visitors will leave with a new appreciation for his contributions and a deeper understanding of how his work continues to shape modern art.

Across the city at the British Museum, history takes centre stage with "Lost Empires: Rediscovering Ancient Civilizations" (Apr-Oct). Artifacts newly discovered in archaeological digs will be displayed alongside digital reconstructions, allowing visitors to step back in time. Expect a multisensory experience where technology meets antiquity, revealing lost stories of empires and societies that have shaped the modern world.

Meanwhile, the Victoria & Albert Museum is preparing "Future Threads: The Next Decade of Fashion" (May-Dec), a fabulous exhibition of fashion and design highlighting the radical transformations of the past decade. Cutting-edge couture, sustainable fashion innovations, and digital garments will be showcased in a way that challenges our perceptions of style and craftsmanship. The exhibition is a must for fashion lovers and those intrigued by the intersection of tradition and technology in the industry.

With such a variety of themes and artistic disciplines on display, London is setting the bar high for museum exhibitions in 2025. Now let’s head across the Channel to Paris, where a wealth of artistic treasures awaits.

Must-See Exhibitions in Paris 2025

The Louvre, always a magnet for art lovers, is hosting "Leonardo and His Legacy" (Jan-Jun), a spectacular exhibition focused on the Renaissance master and his enduring influence. Visitors will see original works by Leonardo da Vinci alongside contemporary reinterpretations, revealing how he continues to inspire modern creatives. Rarely loaned pieces from international collections will be on display, making this exhibition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness masterpieces up close.

Over at the Musée d'Orsay, "Echoes of Light: The Untold Stories of Impressionism" (Feb-Aug) takes the spotlight with a special showcase featuring loans from private collectors worldwide. The exhibition will delve into the personal lives of Monet, Degas, and Renoir, exploring how their personal struggles and triumphs translated onto canvas. It will offer a fresh perspective on the movement that forever changed the art world.

For those seeking something more avant-garde, the Centre Pompidou is pushing boundaries with "Digital Renaissance: The Art of AI & New Media" (Jun-Nov). The fusion of AI-generated artwork, interactive installations, and augmented reality will challenge perceptions of what art can be in the digital age. Paris, always at the cutting edge of artistic expression, proves yet again why it remains a cultural powerhouse.

From the artistic wonders of Paris, let’s turn our attention to Berlin, where history and contemporary art collide in unforgettable ways.

Exciting Exhibitions in Berlin 2025

The Pergamon Museum is set to unveil "Echoes of Babylon: A Virtual Journey Through Ancient Mesopotamia" (Mar-Sep), a groundbreaking exhibition that blends archaeology with virtual reality. Visitors will be able to walk through digitally reconstructed ancient cities, experiencing their grandeur as they once stood. This exhibition promises to revolutionize how we engage with history, offering a sense of presence and immersion that traditional museum displays cannot match.

At Hamburger Bahnhof, contemporary art takes centre stage with "Anselm Kiefer: Beyond Time" (Apr-Dec), a retrospective on one of Germany’s most provocative modern artists. Through large-scale installations, video art, and unconventional materials, the exhibition will challenge traditional notions of beauty, identity, and artistic expression. Expect to be moved, intrigued, and perhaps even unsettled.

The Jewish Museum Berlin presents "Resilience and Memory: Jewish Identity in the 21st Century" (May-Nov), an emotionally powerful exhibition on Jewish heritage and modern identity. Using personal stories, multimedia presentations, and historical artifacts, this exhibition creates an intimate and thought-provoking experience. It’s a deeply personal yet universally relevant reflection on history, resilience, and cultural evolution.

Berlin’s exhibitions promise a thrilling mix of history and modernity, offering something for every kind of art lover. As we continue our journey through Europe, our next stop is Italy, where timeless masterpieces meet bold new perspectives.

Essential Exhibitions in Italy 2025

Rome’s Galleria Borghese is set to host "Caravaggio: Shadows and Light" (Feb-Jul), an in-depth exploration of the Baroque master’s dramatic use of contrast. This exhibition will feature both well-known masterpieces and rarely displayed works, providing insight into how Caravaggio revolutionized storytelling in painting. It is a feast for those who love chiaroscuro, the artistic technique to dramatize the contrast between “chiaro” (light) and “oscuro” (dark).

In Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is unveiling "Botticelli and the Renaissance Woman" (Mar-Oct), a fascinating look at how the iconic artist depicted femininity. The exhibition will explore themes of beauty, myth, and intellect through Botticelli’s lens, featuring some of his most celebrated paintings alongside newly attributed works.

Meanwhile, Venice’s Peggy Guggenheim Collection is preparing "Surreal Visions: Dalí, Magritte, and the Dreamscape" (Apr-Nov). This exhibition will dive into the dreamlike and bizarre world of Surrealism, bringing together works from leading artists of the movement. It promises to transport visitors into a realm where the unconscious mind takes centre stage.

Italy’s exhibitions blend Renaissance grandeur with avant-garde imagination, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers in 2025. Now, let’s take a final look at what the rest of Europe has in store for us.

Must-See Exhibitions in the Rest of Europe 2025

Madrid’s Prado Museum is launching "Goya: The Dark and the Light" (Jan-May), an ambitious exhibition that examines the duality in Goya’s work. It will showcase his playful, satirical paintings alongside his haunting Black Paintings, illustrating the complexity of his artistic vision. This exhibition promises to be one of the most talked-about events in Spain this year.

In Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is set to present "Vermeer’s World" (Feb-Sep), a deep dive into the artist’s meticulous technique and intimate domestic scenes. Visitors will see how Vermeer captured light and emotion in ways that continue to captivate audiences centuries later.

Over in Vienna, the Belvedere Museum is hosting "Klimt and the Golden Age" (Mar-Dec), a dazzling display of Gustav Klimt’s most opulent works. The exhibition will focus on his revolutionary use of gold leaf and symbolism, featuring iconic paintings like "The Kiss" alongside lesser-known masterpieces.

From Spain to the Netherlands to Austria, 2025 is an unmissable year for art lovers across Europe. Each exhibition offers a unique perspective on history, creativity, and the power of visual storytelling.

Want to read more? Best Museums in Spain to Visit in 2025. Luxury Hotels with Art Collections: Where Your Stay Doubles as a Museum Visit.