The end of the year is traditionally when most art events occur. From the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Piranesi’s etchings, and Paul Cézanne’s retrospective to contemporary art, this autumn is filled with exciting art exhibitions. Not to miss any, here is the Culture Tourist’s guide through the ten best exhibitions in European museums in autumn and winter 2022.
10 Best exhibitions in European museums in autumn and winter 2022
1 – The Venice Biennale
Where: Various venues in Venice (Italy)
When: April 23rd 2022 – November 27th 2022
After it was postponed in 2020, following a long break, the Venice Biennale is finally happening this year. One of the most important art events in the world is filled with exiting exhibitions, performances and art events. Visit some of them if you are in Venice before the end of November.
2 – Hieroglyphs unlocking ancient Egypt
Where: British Museum, London (UK)
When: October 13th 2022 – February 19th 2023
The British Museum in London is home to one of the most fascinating collections of ancient Egypt artefacts. Later this year, they will display some of their most interesting exhibits featuring hieroglyphs. If you are in London during that time, be sure to visit the British Museum, which will undoubtedly be home to one of the best exhibitions in European museums in the autumn and winter of 2022.
⤷ Read more: The best museums in London
3 – Piranesi and the Modern
Where: The National Museu, Oslo (Norway)
When: September 9th 2022 – January 8th 2023
The newly opened National Museum in Oslo will be home to one of the best exhibitions in European museums this autumn and winter. It will be dedicated to the famous Italian artist Piranesi who is well known for his etchings of Rome, ancient ruins, and fantastic edifices that inspired the art of the 20th century.
4 – Crawly creatures
Where: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (the Netherlands)
When: September 30th 2022 – January 15th 2023
This autumn and winter, the Rijksmuseum is preparing an exhibition about the way artists and scientists have been fascinated by animals throughout history. The star of the show is Clara, the rhinoceros. However, you’ll also see ants, spiders, butterflies and many more fascinating creatures.
⤷ Read more: 10 Things you didn’t know about the Rijksmuseum
5 – Germany in the 1920s – Neue Sachlichkeit
Where: Louisiana Museum, Humlebaek (Denmark)
When: October 14th 2022 – February 19th 2023
This exhibition is undoubtedly one of the best art events in Europe this autumn and winter. It explores the New Objectivity art movement in Germany during the 1920s. The exhibition was first organised in Centre Pompidou in Paris. It will be displayed in Louisiana Museum in Humlebaek during the next few months.
6 – A History of Still Lifes
Where: The Louvre Museum, Paris (France)
When: October 12th 2022 – January 23rd 2023
This exciting exhibition will explore often considered a minor theme in art – the genre of still lifes. They will exhibit artworks dating from Prehistory until modern art in order to explain the significance behind that interesting theme in art.
⤷ Read more: The Louvre Museum highlights
7 – Picasso/Chanel
Where: The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, Madrid (Spain)
When: October 11th 2022 – January 15th 2023
The exhibition organised at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid presents the connection between the two of the very influential figures in the art and fashion world from the 20th century – Pablo Picasso and Coco Chanel.
8 – Cézanne
Where: Tate Modern, London (UK)
When: October 5th 2022 – March 12 2023
Paul Cézanne is one of the most important painters of the second half of the 19th century and one of the most influential artist in the development of modern art. During this exhibition, Tate Modern will display around eighty paintings and drawings highlighting the development of his unique art language.
9 – Basquiat: Of symbols and signs
Where: Albertina Museum, Vienna (Austria)
When: September 9th 2022 – January 8th 2023
Jean-Michael Basquiat’s art career lasted for only eight years. However, he became one of the most influential artists of the late 20th century. This autumn, Albertina Museum is organising an exhibition dedicated to his fascination with signs and symbols.
10 – Lucian Freud: New Perspectives
Where: National Gallery, London (UK)
When: October 1st 2022 – January 22nd 2023
To celebrate a hundred years since the famous artist was born, the National Gallery in London has organised a large retrospective of his work. If you are interested in learning more about his life and work, put this event on your list of the best exhibitions in European museums in the autumn and winter of 2022.
⤷ Read more: The most interesting art heists in European museums
So many fantastic art events are organised this year around Europe. It was hard to pick only the ten best exhibitions in European museums in the autumn and winter of 2022. I hope you’ll get a chance to visit at least some of them.
Cover photo by Pauline Loroy on Unsplash