Ah, summertime! Three lazy, hazy months when travel is not just encouraged, it’s assumed. The world’s cultural capitals heat up during this season, drawing visitors with much-anticipated exhibitions, performances, and festivals. I’ve compiled standout events in four arts meccas to add to your summer itinerary or inspire future adventures.
The New York Botanical Garden is an idyllic reprieve for New York City visitors tired of the concrete jungle. Their immersive summer exhibition, Van Gogh’s Flowers, is the perfect getaway after viewing the artist’s masterpieces in the city’s famous museums. While Broadway can be sleepy in the summertime, the theater scene across the pond comes to life. London’s West End is debuting an Evita revival and several fun movies-turned-musicals, including Burlesque, Clueless, and Disney’s Hercules. Further afield, Shakespeare’s historic Globe Theatre is braving new frontiers with a production of Romeo & Juliet set in America’s Wild West.
Long hailed as the fashion capital of the world, museums across Paris are showcasing the intersection of art and couture this summer. The Louvre’s inaugural fashion exhibition pairs pieces by legendary designers with historic decorative artworks from the museum’s collection. While Japan is a top travel destination for 2025, Naoshima has been drawing art lovers since the 1990s. This August, it is one of a dozen islands hosting the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival, making its siren song ring even louder.
New York
See Vincent van Gogh’s famous masterpieces come to life at the New York Botanical Garden. The urban oasis will be transformed by botanical recreations of van Gogh’s paintings, large-scale contemporary art pieces inspired by his work, and a field of real and sculptural sunflowers. On select nights, van Gogh-themed drone shows will light up the skies.
London
The latest in director Jamie Lloyd’s critically-acclaimed revivals, a reimagined Evita premieres on London’s West End this summer. Starring Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón, the show is sure to enrapture a new generation with its timeless songs and captivating story. If you’re looking for a more whimsical Andrew Lloyd Webber revival, catch Starlight Express across town.
Paris
The Louvre’s first-ever fashion exhibition, Louvre Couture, presents over 65 designs in the museum’s famous decorative arts galleries. On loan from dozens of iconic fashion houses, the garments offer a new perspective on the museum’s historic collections. Think sumptuous Dior gowns against the stunning backdrop of Napoleon III’s apartments - oh la la!
Japan
A bucket-list destination for many art lovers, Naoshima island is one of several sites for the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival this August. New works by art world giants such as Yoyoi Kusama and James Turrell will be displayed across the landscape and throughout the island’s museums. The festival occurs every three years in this once-in-a-lifetime location.