Europe's galleries and museums are in the midst of an exceptionally strong exhibition season. From London to Oslo, curators have assembled retrospectives that not only celebrate individual artists but also reframe their legacies within broader social and historical contexts. For those seeking refuge from the summer heat or simply a dose of cultural stimulation, here are some of the most compelling shows currently on view.
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art
At the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art offers the first UK retrospective dedicated to the Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Running until 8 November 2026, the exhibition traces her career from the 1920s to the present, showcasing her signature whimsy—pinecone chokers, shoe-shaped hats, and the famous lobster dress. The show deftly illustrates how Schiaparelli blurred the lines between couture and art, influencing generations of designers. It's a celebration of avant-garde creativity that feels both timely and timeless.
Edvard Munch and the Chocolate Factory
In Oslo, the MUNCH museum is exploring a lesser-known chapter of Edvard Munch's career. Edvard Munch and the Chocolate Factory (until 11 October 2026) focuses on the portraits he painted for Freia, Norway's leading chocolate brand, in the 1920s. These vibrant oil paintings, many depicting the factory's predominantly female workforce, capture a moment of social change. Through archival materials and documentary footage, the exhibition reveals how Munch's commercial work intersected with his artistic ambitions and the broader socioeconomic landscape of the time.
Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic
Berlin's Gropius Bau is hosting Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic until 30 August 2026. Known for her endurance-based performances, Abramović here presents a large-scale work involving over 70 performers. The piece draws on Slavic rituals and erotic symbolism, aiming to channel collective pain and transformation. It's a visceral, immersive experience that reaffirms her status as a pioneer of performance art. Visitors should come prepared for something intense—Abramović rarely offers comfort.
Rothko in Florence
Florence's Palazzo Strozzi is staging Rothko in Florence (until 23 August 2026), a major retrospective of Mark Rothko's Colour Field paintings. The exhibition, curated by the artist's son Christopher Rothko and Elena Geuna, brings together over 70 works from private collections and international museums. It argues that Florence's architecture and spiritual atmosphere were foundational to Rothko's vision. The result is a rare opportunity to see his canvases in a city that profoundly influenced him, offering new perspectives on his transcendental use of colour.
Tracey Emin: A Second Life
At Tate Modern in London, Tracey Emin: A Second Life (until 31 August 2026) surveys the British artist's career from her Turner Prize-nominated My Bed to recent works. The exhibition includes neon texts, drawings, and installations that explore themes of intimacy, trauma, and resilience. Emin's unapologetic voice remains as powerful as ever, and the show provides a comprehensive view of her evolution. It's a raw, emotional journey that resonates with contemporary audiences.
These exhibitions are just a snapshot of Europe's vibrant cultural scene. For those interested in Venice's satellite shows or the cultural ties between Cyprus and France, there is much more to explore. As the season progresses, new shows will open—including the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum and Monet at the Orangerie—promising even more reasons to visit Europe's cultural capitals.
