Must-see exhibitions in 2026: APAC

Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker explores the Chinese French artist’s life, his prints, and his mastery of abstraction. It sheds new light on Zao’s printmaking practice, introducing the unique aesthetics, techniques, and styles of this medium while investigating the connections between oil painting and printmaking as equally significant aspects of his oeuvre. The exhibition explores how Zao’s printmaking catalysed his experiments in abstraction and considers the role of prints as a visual and conceptual vehicle that facilitated the circulation of his works, positioning him as an eminent cross-cultural figure in the post-war art landscapes of Europe, Asia, and the United States. The exhibition also traces Zao’s aesthetic, and technical progression in print mediums and how they resonated with his oil paintings. It also highlights his relationships with French literary circles.

Ancient Egyptian civilisation originated along the reaches of the Nile River in the northeastern part of the African continent more than 7,000 years ago. This exhibition showcases 250 spectacular treasures from seven major Egyptian museums and the Saqqara archaeological site, including statues, stelae, gold ornaments, and mummies. Organized into four thematic sections—‘The Land of Pharaohs,’ ‘The World of Tutankhamun,’ ‘The Secrets of Saqqara,’ and ‘Ancient Egypt and the World’—it traces the development of ancient Egyptian civilisation spanning nearly 5,000 years of history, delving into the politics, arts, daily life, and religious beliefs of this iconic civilisation. Additionally, the exhibition presents the latest archaeological discoveries from Saqqara, highlighting the vibrant connections between Ancient Egypt and surrounding civilisations throughout history.

In 2026, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia will present Cartier, a landmark exhibition featuring more than 300 extraordinary objects – from precious jewels and historic gemstones to iconic watches and clocks – that trace the evolution of Cartier’s enduring legacy in art, design and craftsmanship. Spanning the Maison’s early years at the turn of the 20th century through to its most contemporary creations, the exhibition brings together some of Cartier’s most iconic pieces, such as the panther brooch, the mystery clock and the Tank watch. Design drawings from the Cartier archives illuminate the creative process behind the works, offering a rare glimpse into their exceptional craftsmanship.

Explore the transformative journey of landscape art in this groundbreaking exhibition, which showcases the evolution of Western landscape representation from a mere backdrop to an independent subject. While landscapes gained prominence in the 19th century with the rise of Impressionism, the 20th and 21st centuries saw profound transformations driven by avant-garde movements and the impacts of industrialisation. Featuring works from the diverse collection of the Centre Pompidou, this thematic journey spans painting, installation, cinema, and new media. Organized across seven sections in two galleries, the exhibition examines how both natural and urban environments have been depicted from 1905 to the present, offering unique perspectives on the distinct character of modern and contemporary landscapes.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the National Museum of History, a remarkable exhibition, A Century of Viennese Flower Painting, from Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller to Gustav Klimt – Masterpieces from the Belvedere in Vienna, is coming to Taipei. Featuring 60 exquisite masterpieces from the Belvedere in Vienna, this exhibition showcases floral art from the 18th to the 20th centuries, including rare works by Gustav Klimt and other iconic Austrian masters, many debuting in Taiwan. The exhibition invites audiences to explore how flowers have transcended art, science, and daily life, serving as enduring symbols of beauty and creativity. Join us for an unprecedented encounter with the splendor of European floral art, celebrating the rich cultural collaboration between Vienna and Taiwan.

Fear No Power showcases more than 45 groundbreaking works of Amanda Heng, Dolorosa Sinaga, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Nirmala Dutt, and Phaptawan Suwannakudt, spanning the 1960s to the 2010s, many of which are being presented in Singapore for the first time. This exhibition illuminates their artistic journeys against the backdrop of decolonization, developmentalism, Cold War tensions, and significant social change in Southeast Asia. Each artist intertwines personal narratives with political themes, pushing boundaries and challenging conventional notions of feminism. Through diverse strategies, they advocate for equity and empowerment, offering nuanced insights into the gendered dynamics of power. This powerful collection invites viewers to reflect on the artists' enduring legacies and the ongoing relevance of their messages in today’s world.

The first exhibition in Japan to focus on the Van Gogh family collection, Van Gogh's Home features more than 30 of the artist’s masterpieces, many on loan from the Van Gogh Musuem. The exhibition explores the journey of Vincent Van Gogh's artworks after his death in 1890, highlighting the steadfast dedication of his family in preserving his legacy. Supported by his brother Theo, who became the custodian of Vincent's oeuvre, and later by Theo's wife Jo, the collection was carefully managed to ensure its recognition and appreciation. Their son, Vincent Willem, established the Vincent van Gogh Foundation and a museum to house the collection and prevent its dispersal. This exhibition emphasises van Gogh's dream of creating art that offers consolation, showcasing the enduring impact of his family's commitment to sharing his vision with future generations and the world. The exhibition has met with great successes in Osaka and Tokyo and is now on view in Aichi.

This summer, art lovers can anticipate a rare opportunity with the return of Johannes Vermeer's iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring to Japan. This celebrated masterpiece will be the highlight of a special exhibition at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka, marking its first appearance in Japan in 14 years—and possibly the last. Known as ‘the most famous girl in the world,’ this painting, owned by the Mauritshuis in The Hague, is rarely lent out, making this Osaka showing a unique event following its previous visit in Tokyo and Kobe from 2012 to 2013, which attracted 1.2 million visitors and became the most visited exhibition globally in 2012. Painted around 1665, the work exemplifies Vermeer’s mastery of light and features the lavish lapis lazuli turban, known as ‘Vermeer Blue.’

The MMCA's annual exhibitions Global Focus spotlight contemporary art masters shaping the 21st-century global art scene, expanding domestic access to significant contemporary dialogues. In 2026, the museum will host a major solo exhibition by the internationally acclaimed British artist Damien Hirst, alongside the largest solo exhibition of Korean artist Do Ho Suh. Hirst's exhibition will feature over 50 works, including installations, sculptures, and paintings, many debuting in Asia, highlighting his iconic series such as Natural History, Spin Paintings, and Medicine Cabinets. This event will provide insights into Hirst's exploration of beauty, religion, science, and the themes of life and death.