This year is shaping up to be a banner year for museum lovers, with some of the art world's most treasured institutions throwing open their doors after major overhauls. Whether you're into British masterpieces, Gilded Age glamor or cutting-edge contemporary art, these three must-visit re-openings deserve a spot on your cultural calendar in 2025.
Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, Connecticut
No need to hop across the pond to see the best of British art—the Yale Center for British Art is back. Reopening on March 29 after a two-year closure, this modernist masterpiece by architect Louis Kahn has undergone vital upgrades to ensure its longevity. Inside, expect a fresh take on British art from the 16th century to today, with new perspectives on colonialism, global trade and the often-overlooked contributions of women artists. For a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, check out JMW Turner: Romance and Reality, a stunning showcase of works by the legendary painter.
The Frick Collection, New York City
Refreshing a New York icon is no easy task, but the Frick Collection has done it with quiet elegance. Known for its Old Master paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Holbein, the museum has expanded within its historic Fifth Avenue mansion—without losing its timeless charm. New exhibition spaces and visitor areas are subtly integrated, and for the first time, visitors can explore the second floor, once the Frick family’s private quarters. The museum’s signature old-world ambiance, including its no-phones policy, remains intact.
Studio Museum in Harlem, New York City
After being closed since 2018, Harlem’s beloved Studio Museum is making a triumphant return in fall 2025. Designed by Adjaye Architects, the brand-new space on 125th Street is a sleek yet inviting hub for contemporary artists of African descent. For nearly 60 years, the museum’s exhibitions have sparked national conversations, while its artist-in-residence program has nurtured stars like Julie Mehretu and Kerry James Marshall. With more space and light than ever before, the reopened Studio Museum is set to reclaim its place as a cultural powerhouse.
Mark your calendars and start planning your art-centric outings now.