Top 2018 Traveling Exhibits in the US - AARP Travel Center Blog

A good piece of art transports the viewer to another place. A well-curated collection makes an unforgettable impact. Whether it sparks emotion, imagination, or further enquiry, art has the power to move us. Museums and galleries are often the richest part of a traveler’s experience. Traveling for art is one of the best reasons to seek new horizons. And sometimes, art even travels to you.

We’ve found some of the most amazing upcoming traveling exhibits around the country. If one of these lands close to home, all the better. If not, let these collections and the great cities hosting them inspire you to travel somewhere new.

1. “This is Not a Selfie” – St. Petersburg, FL

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, August 25 – November 25, 2018

St. Petersburg museums offer travelers much to explore, and the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the best in town. The fascinating exhibit, “This is Not a Selfie,” includes a portrait from Cindy Sherman. The exhibit examines the nature of self and our shifting perceptions over time. Sherman explores this through photographic self-portraiture.

Next, head out to sea. Take a Dolphin Watching Tour to round out your day in St. Petersburg – Clearwater.

2. “Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats its Own Leg” – Fort Worth, TX

The Modern, until September 16, 2018

Takashi Murakami pulls from pop, modern, and ancient culture to create his work. This exhibit highlights his visually complex art with an impressive title: Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats its Own Leg. Coming to The Modern in Ft. Worth, this show takes viewers on a journey through three decades of his works.

And now for something completely different–head over to Billy Bob’s Texas – World’s Largest Honky Tonk. Ride a bull, listen to music, and enjoy the Ft. Worth Stockyards!

3. “The National Geographic Photo Ark” – Greenwich, CT

Bruce Museum, until September 2, 2018

“Indicators” is set on the 500-acre grounds of Storm King Art Center. The exhibit gave artists the opportunity to explore climate change. Word to the wise: This exhibit is not set to travel, so catch it in New Windsor while you can!

Feeling adventurous? Head over to Mountain Creek Action Park while you’re in the area. Time at a water park will give you and the family time together while enjoying sun and fun.

4. “Indicators” – New Windsor, NY

Storm King Art Center, May 19 – November 11, 2018

Set on the 500-acre grounds of Storm King Art Center, “Indicators” gave contemporary artists the opportunity to explore concepts and implications of climate change. Word to the wise: This exhibit is not set to travel, so catch it in New Windsor while you can!

5. “Dior: From Paris to the World” – Denver, CO

Denver Art Museum, November 19, 2018 – March 3, 2019

This Dior exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to see the iconic fashion house’s works up close. For fashion lovers this is a must. The show profiles major directors throughout the House of Dior’s history. Their impact on global culture is fascinating for all who visit.

Once you’ve built up an appetite, consider a private guided food tour of Denver. This activity comes complete with food samples!

6. “Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World” – Columbus, OH

COSI, March 3 – September 3, 2018

Traveling the Silk Road is an interactive exhibit. It showcases sights, sounds, and artifacts to create a multi-sensory atmosphere. Learn all about the most famous trade route in history. While you are there, stay on for the planetarium and dinosaur gallery.

7. “Rene Magritte: The Fifth Season” – San Francisco, CA

SFMOMA, May 19 – October 28, 2018

Though this Rene Magritte museum exhibit is a San Francisco exclusive, it’s worth making a trip for. Fans of the perception-bending painter shouldn’t miss this collection. The exhibit explores Magritte’s later career with careful thought.

While art may be the purpose of your visit, take time to visit some of the other sites in San Francisco. Consider a guided walking tour from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge.

8. “Renoir: Father and Son/ Painting and Cinema” – Philadelphia, PA

Barnes Foundation, May 6 – September 3, 2018

Great artistic talent must run in the Renoir family. This exhibit explores communication between father and son across genres. Explore the ways art and artists speak through theme, vision, and time; this is a show you will love. While you’re in town, continue your adventure with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Philadelphia. These tours are an excellent way to view the city while learning about its history.

Image credits:

This is Not a Selfie:
Top Left: Cindy Sherman (American, b. 1954) Untitled Film Still #5, 1977 Gelatin silver print The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection
Bottom Left: Anne Collier, (American, b. 1970) Mirror Ball, 2004, Dye coupier print The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection
Right: Nadar (Gaspar Félix Tournachon), French (1820—1910) Self-Portrait in Indian Costume, c. 1863, Albumen silver print The Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection

Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats its Own Leg:
Top Left: Takashi Murakami, Flower Ball (Lots of Colors), 2008, Acrylic and platinum leaf on canvas mounted board, Cari and Michael J. Sacks. Photo: Nathan Keay
Top Right: Takashi Murakami, (Klein’s Pot A, 1994-97), Acrylic on canvas mounted on board in plexiglass, Coleccion Perez Simon, Mexico. Photo: Yoshitaka Uchida
Bottom: Takashi Murakami, Tan Tan Bo Puking a.k.a. Gero Tan, 2002, Acrylic on canvas mounted on board, Private collection, courtesy of Galerie Perrotin. Photo: Adam Reich

Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World: Courtesy: American Museum of Natural History

Renoir: Father and Son/ Cinema and Painting:
Left: Father and Son/ Painting and Cinema exhibition, installation image, 2018. Photo © The Barnes Foundation.
Top Right: Burri, René (1933–2014), Jean Renoir on the set of sElena and Her Men, or Paris Does Strange Things (Elena et les hommes), directing a scene between Mel Ferrer (as Le Comte Henri de Chevincourt) and Ingrid Bergman (as Princess Elena Sokorowska), 1956. Production photograph. © Rene Burri/Magnum Photos
Bottom Right: Stillframe of the film Picnic on the grass (Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe) (1959), directed by Jean Renoir (1894–1979). The actress Catherine Rouvel (as Nénette). LE DÉJEUNER SUR L’HERBE © 1959 STUDIOCANAL

AARP Travel Center Blog

1. “This is Not a Selfie” – St. Petersburg, FL

2. “Takashi Murakami: The Octopus Eats its Own Leg” – Fort Worth, TX

3. “The National Geographic Photo Ark” – Greenwich, CT

4. “Indicators” – New Windsor, NY

5. “Dior: From Paris to the World” – Denver, CO

6. “Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World” – Columbus, OH

7. “Rene Magritte: The Fifth Season” – San Francisco, CA

8. “Renoir: Father and Son/ Painting and Cinema” – Philadelphia, PA

About Author

Related articles

Top Hotels With Free Breakfast

Guide to Traveling to Canada