7 museum openings to watch out for

For culture vultures, this year is shaping up to be a banner year for art in its varied and intrinsic forms. From reimagined classics to groundbreaking new institutions, the global museum scene is bursting with flavours of creativity. Travel on the cards? You bet you want to add these seven cultural hubs to your travel itinerary on your way there for a wide-eyed experience of the world's most artistic experiences. 

X UNMISSABLE NEW MUSEUM EXPERIENCES TO EXPLORE

1. Fondation Cartier Pour l’Art Contemporain, Paris

The Fondation Cartier, a symbol of contemporary art, is bidding adieu to its familiar boulevard Raspail and relocating to a stunning new location. Facing the Louvre on rue de Rivoli, the foundation will inhabit the beautifully redesigned former Louvre des Antiquaires to give art and culture enthusiasts a taste of Parisian Renaissance in the modern age. Architect Jean Nouvel has masterfully transformed the space, flooding vast exhibition halls with natural light pouring through a breathtaking glass ceiling. Prepare for a breathtaking fusion of old-world charm and cutting-edge art on your next trip to this cultural centre. 

2. Palais de la Découverte, Paris

After hosting the Olympic events in 2024, Paris' Grand Palais is ready to unveil its spectacular reincarnation as the home of the Palais de la Découverte science museum. With interiors reimagined by François Chatillon, the museum promises a captivating blend of classic architecture and modern innovation to give you a glimpse of what science meets spectacle looks like. Imagine exploring new exhibits, gazing at real-time astronomical telescope images in a state-of-the-art observatory, and strolling through an equatorial garden showcasing the wonders of tropical ecosystems. You'll wish you had learnt your science lessons diligently. But hey, it's never too late, we suppose.  

3. Fenix Museum, Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam's waterfront is about to become a dramatic new landmark for cultural travel enthusiasts. The Fenix Museum, a world-first, will explore the poignant and powerful stories of migration chronicles through art. Housed in a converted warehouse in the historic Katendrecht district (once a crowded Chinatown), the museum's design, courtesy of MAD Architects, features a stunning double-helix structure. Prepare to be moved by tales of love, loss, identity, and the search for belonging.

4. The Studio Museum, Harlem, New York City

After years in a cramped space, the Studio Museum in Harlem is finally getting the home it deserves. Seven years in the making, the new building is all set to become a cultural beacon that celebrates Black lives. Designed by David Adjaye in collaboration with Cooper Robertson, it promises to make a bold architectural statement beyond its cultural significance. Its striking grey concrete facade, punctuated by strategically placed windows, will bathe the expanded galleries in light. Get ready to celebrate the vibrant legacy of Black art and artists in a space worthy of their truly contributions. 

5. Yuga Yugeen Bharat, New Delhi, India

Although currently under construction, India is keen to unveil a museum of truly epic proportions. The Yuga Yugeen Bharat, a new National Museum being developed on the lines of the Louvre, will be housed in the historic North and South Blocks in New Delhi with 950 rooms. A collaboration with France, renowned for its museum expertise, this ambitious project promises to be the largest museum in the world, showcasing India's rich and diverse heritage across millennia. You will want to be prepared because it won't be surprising to be awestruck by the scale and scope of this cultural colossus, marking a new phase in the global cultural landscape.

6. The Almaty Museum of Arts, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Once a significant key player in the spice route, Almaty in Kazakhstan is today a brewing pot of art on the global stage. With the opening of Central Asia's contemporary gem, the Almaty Museum of Arts, it is set to become Central Asia's first private museum of contemporary art, showcasing international art heavyweights like Yayoi Kusama, Fernand Léger, and Anselm Kiefer alongside talented local artists. Designed by Chapman Taylor, the building's striking geometric forms promise to be as captivating as the art within. 

7. Naoshima New Museum of Art, Japan

The idyllic Japanese island of Naoshima, a haven for art lovers, is adding another gem to its crown. Legendary architect Tadao Ando is unveiling his tenth building on the island — the New Museum of Art. True to his minimalist style, the museum will provide a serene and contemplative space for exploring Asian art. If you're looking for an experience that blends art, architecture, and the beauty of nature, this is the place to be. 

These are just a few of the exciting museum openings on the horizon for 2025. Whether your passion is contemporary art, science, history, or culture, there’s something here to ignite your imagination and inspire your next adventure. The world is waiting – are you ready to explore?