As autumn unfolds, the art world comes alive with a series of captivating exhibitions across Europe and the US. This October, galleries and museums are presenting some of the most anticipated shows of the year, offering a chance to explore iconic masterpieces and groundbreaking contemporary works.

From retrospectives of influential artists like Noah Davis and Mark Bradford to grand celebrations of Surrealism and German Expressionism, these exhibitions promise a deep dive into the evolution of artistic movements and individual creativity. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant abstraction of Helen Frankenthaler or the enduring genius of Vincent van Gogh, these autumn highlights are essential for any art lover. Here’s your guide to the must-see exhibitions this season.

‘Noah Davis’ at DAS Minsk (Potsdam, Germany) until 5 January 2025

DAS MINSK in Potsdam is hosting the largest institutional retrospective of the late Noah Davis (1983-2015), running from 7 September. The exhibition showcases over 50 pieces, offering a comprehensive view of Davis’ artistic career, and will later travel to London’s Barbican and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Organized chronologically, it traces Davis’ evolution from his debut exhibition in 2007 to his untimely passing at age of 32 in 2015. The show includes never-before-seen paintings, drawings, and sculptures, serving as a poignant tribute to an artist whose influence continues to be deeply felt.

‘Surrealism’ at Centre Pompidou (Paris, France) until 13 January 2025

This year marks a century since the birth of Surrealism, commemorating the publication of the Surrealist Manifesto in October 1924. To honor this milestone, the Pompidou Centre in Paris is hosting a remarkable exhibition, showcasing works by legendary figures such as Salvador Dalí, René Magritte, Max Ernst, and Joan Miró. The exhibit, described as a labyrinth-like experience, also highlights the contributions of female Surrealists, including Leonora Carrington and Dora Maar. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a specially curated “drum” featuring the original Surrealist Manifesto, on loan from the National Library of France, accompanied by a multimedia display that vividly brings the manifesto’s creation to life.

‘Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers’ at National Gallery (London, UK) until 19 January 2025

In what is being hailed as a “once-in-a-century” event, the National Gallery is showcasing more than 60 remarkable works by the iconic Vincent van Gogh, including famous masterpieces such as Starry Night Over the Rhône, The Yellow House, and Sunflowers. Alongside these well-known pieces, the exhibition also presents a selection of Van Gogh’s rarely seen paintings and drawings, providing an in-depth look at the artist’s development during his pivotal years in Arles and Saint-Rémy. This extraordinary exhibition is an unmissable opportunity to experience Van Gogh’s genius up close.

‘Mark Bradford: Keep Walking’ at Hamburger Bahnhof (Berlin, Germany) until 18 May 2025

“Mark Bradford: Keep Walking” celebrates the reopening of Berlin’s historic Rieckhallen building complex at the Hamburger Bahnhof. This exhibition covers two decades of Bradford’s career, showcasing 20 works of the renowned 62-year-old artist’s, including paintings, sculptures, and installations that delve into themes of race, gender, and economic disparity. Bradford, who draws inspiration from his upbringing in Los Angeles, often incorporates found materials like posters and newspaper clippings into his work to tackle socio-political issues, with a focus on the Black American experience. Standout pieces include the massive sculpture Spoiled Foot and the immersive floor painting Float.

‘German Expressionism’ at Moderna Museet (Stockholm, Sweden) until 9 March 2025

This exhibition showcases the bold, groundbreaking work of the Die Brücke (The Bridge) group, who revolutionized the early 20th-century art world with their vibrant colors and simplified forms. Founded in 1905 by a group of rebellious architecture students, Die Brücke played a pivotal role in shaping modernism and the birth of expressionism in Germany. For the first time in the Nordic region, Sweden’s Moderna Museet offers visitors a chance to explore a collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures by Die Brücke founders—Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Otto Bleyl, Erich Heckel, and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff—alongside works by later members like Emil Nolde and Max Pechstein.

‘Helen Frankenthaler: Painting without Rules’ at Palazzo Strozzi (Florence, Italy) until 26 January 2025

This autumn, the historic Palazzo Strozzi presents a major exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking work of Helen Frankenthaler, the 20th-century American artist known for her innovative soak-stain technique. By pouring thinned oil paints onto unprimed canvas, Frankenthaler pioneered a unique approach to abstraction that transformed the field of painting and influenced future generations of artists. The exhibition traces her artistic journey from 1953 to 2002, highlighting how she distinguished herself in the predominantly male world of Abstract Expressionism.