Best contemporary art exhibitions in New York

This biennial offers a crucial snapshot of the local contemporary art scene, showcasing emerging and established artists deeply connected to New York City. Coinciding with MoMA PS1's 50th anniversary, it highlights artists engaging with the economic and technological forces shaping urban life.

This group exhibition offers an interactive and site-specific public art experience, blending art with recreation through sculptural ping-pong tables. It addresses local cultural and ecological themes, making it a unique and engaging contemporary art event.

This exhibition marks Woody De Othello's first major public art showing in New York, presenting monumental sculptures that transform everyday objects. It offers a unique, free, and accessible public art experience, inviting imagination and reflection within an urban landscape.

Genesis Belanger's public exhibition presents thought-provoking sculptural vignettes that connect contemporary concerns with the city's architectural language. It engages with themes of justice and societal issues, making it a relevant and accessible art experience in a prominent urban setting.

This exhibition marks the reopening of the New Museum after a major expansion, featuring 150 artists exploring humanity's relationship with technology. It offers a timely and expansive look at contemporary human existence in an era of rapid technological growth.

This is the first museum survey and largest presentation of Carol Bove's work, unfolding within the iconic Guggenheim rotunda. It promises a unique and immersive experience where sculpture, space, and perception are inseparable, showcasing 25 years of her highly regarded contemporary art.

Liu Wei is a prominent contemporary artist, and a facade commission at The Met provides a high-profile opportunity to engage with his diverse practice in a public setting. This installation will offer a fresh perspective on the museum's iconic exterior.

Taryn Simon is a highly acclaimed contemporary artist, and this major exhibition premieres a new body of work filling the entire Guggenheim Rotunda. Her immersive and thought-provoking projects, known for revealing unseen forces, make this a must-see event.

Joan Semmel is a significant contemporary artist known for her groundbreaking work exploring the female nude and self-portraiture. This exhibition is highly relevant for ongoing discussions on gender, representation, and the body in contemporary art.

This biennial is crucial for discovering new and diverse voices in contemporary art, particularly those connected to the Bronx and its vibrant artistic community. It highlights emerging and underrepresented artists from the Bronx Museum's Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program.

Hortensia Mi Kafchin is an emerging artist whose work is gaining recognition, and a solo exhibition at the New Museum provides a significant platform for her contemporary practice. This offers an opportunity to engage with a fresh and evolving artistic voice.

The reopening of the newly expanded Studio Museum in Harlem is a major event for contemporary art, especially for art by artists of African descent. These opening exhibitions will be pivotal in defining its new chapter and showcasing its collection in a fresh context.

This triennial offers a unique opportunity to explore contemporary art outside of Manhattan, highlighting the artistic landscape and community of Staten Island. It showcases local and regional artists, providing a diverse perspective on New York's art scene.

Elizabeth Murray was a significant figure in contemporary painting, pushing the boundaries of abstraction and form with her 'shattered shapes.' This exhibition offers a chance to appreciate her innovative approach and lasting influence on modern art.