New museums opening in 2025 you can't miss

Lonely Planet has released its list of the must-visit museums opening and reopening in 2025, and this year promises to be a thrilling one for art lovers and cultural explorers.

The Naoshima New Museum of Art, set to open in 2025, is one of several exciting museums debuting worldwide this year. As part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima, it will further enhance the island’s reputation as a leading destination for contemporary art in Japan. Photo: benesse-artsite.jp

From New York to London, and Tokyo to Abu Dhabi, these new museums are set to offer cutting-edge exhibits, innovative architecture, and engaging experiences. These openings are according to Lonely Planet poised to shape the global cultural landscape in 2025, offering unique insights into history, art, and innovation. As construction costs rise and architectural designs push creative boundaries, each museum is a testament to the value of cultural preservation and exploration in an increasingly interconnected world.

The newly built Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners, opened on October 25, 2024, in the heart of the city at Plac Defilad. Photo: Patryk Duszkiewicz, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

1. Museum of Modern Art Warsaw Warsaw, Poland

Opening in February 2025, the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw is one of the most anticipated museum openings of the year. Designed by renowned architect Thomas Phifer, this minimalist structure seeks to symbolize openness and tolerance, moving beyond Poland’s communist legacy. The Polish government has invested approximately 700 million zlotys (USD 175 million) into this modern marvel. The museum will showcase both Polish and international contemporary art.

The Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut, holds the largest collection of British art outside the UK, showcasing works from the Elizabethan era to the present. Photo: ajay_suresh, Wikipedia, CC BY 2.0

2. Yale Center for British Art Connecticut, USA

The Yale Center for British Art, a long-established institution, underwent a significant renovation that was completed in 2016 at a cost of USD 33 million. This renovation preserved its commitment to British art while enhancing the facility for both scholars and the public. It remains a key attraction for those exploring British culture and art in Connecticut.

The Frick Collection, set to reopen on April 17, 2025, after a major renovation, has raised $242 million for its capital campaign and appointed Axel Rüger as its new director. Photo: Wil540, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

3. The Frick Collection New York, USA

After an extensive USD 290 million renovation, the Frick Collection is ready to reopen its doors. This beloved museum, which houses one of the finest collections of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, will now feature improved visitor facilities and accessibility. The building renovation ensures that this cultural treasure remains a key New York attraction.

4. Naoshima New Museum of Art Naoshima Island, Japan

Japan’s Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, is set to open in spring 2025. Located on the picturesque Naoshima Island, famous for its contemporary art installations, this museum will host major works from artists across the Asian region. The cost to build the museum is estimated to be approximately USD 100 million.

The V&A East Storehouse, opening on May 31, 2025, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will house 250,000 artifacts, 350,000 books, and the David Bowie Centre with rotating exhibitions on the legendary musician. Photo: Sludge G, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

5. V&A East Storehouse London, UK

Set to open in May 2025, the V&A East Storehouse in East London is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s expansion. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the storehouse will house 250,000 objects, including some of the museum’s most treasured collections, along with 350,000 books and nearly 1,000 archives. Notably, it will also include the newly acquired David Bowie collection. The storehouse is part of a GBP 200 million project.

6. Studio Museum in Harlem New York, USA

The Studio Museum in Harlem will be moving to its first-ever building, designed by architect David Adjaye. This new space, set to open in late 2025, has raised USD 210 million for its construction, operating fund, and endowment. The museum will focus on showcasing art by artists of African descent, adding to Harlem’s rich cultural legacy.

The Netherlands Photo Museum in Rotterdam houses over three million images across 150 archives, preserving historical, social, and cultural photography from the Netherlands and beyond.Photo: Marco Zanferrari, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

7. National Museum of Photography Rotterdam, Netherlands

The Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam will reopen in a newly renovated warehouse in 2025. The museum, which houses over six million photographs, aims to provide a home for the national collection of photography, exploring visual history from the 19th century to the present day. The renovation, which is part of a multi-million-dollar project, will create an engaging visitor experience.

The Zayed National Museum, set to open in 2025 on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, will honor UAE founding father Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and showcase the nation's history, culture, and transformation. Photo: EditQ, Wikipedia CCO

8. Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi, with a construction cost of approximately USD 679 million, will be part of a massive cultural district on Saadiyat Island. This museum will explore the heritage and legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, while the Guggenheim will showcase modern and contemporary art. Both museums are expected to be a major cultural draw when they open in 2025.