At the top museums across the USA, a friendly rivalry drives the creation of captivating and crowd-pleasing exhibits designed to make headlines and attract visitors.

In the coming year, museumgoers will be the real winners.

Over the next few months, institutions nationwide will provide new perspectives on artists you think you know well, offer fresh takes on historical artifacts, and showcase emerging talents poised for recognition.

Here, in chronological order, are 10 museum exhibitions across the USA that are worth the journey in 2024.

1. Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love

SFMOMA, San Francisco
On view: Now through September 7

For six decades, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has captivated audiences with her exploration of the “infinity room.” These immersive experiences delve into themes of perception, the cosmos, and existence, using vibrant colors, three-dimensional shapes, and mirror-driven optical illusions to create a boundless aesthetic universe. This exhibition, Yayoi Kusama: Infinite Love, marks the debut of Kusama’s work in Northern California. Featured pieces include the newly unveiled Dreaming of Earth’s Sphericity, I Would Offer My Love (2023) and the iconic LOVE IS CALLING (2013). These installations, known for their immense popularity, will be on display at SFMOMA until next fall. Be sure to secure your tickets as soon as they become available, as these exhibits are already generating significant buzz.

2. Matisse and the Sea

St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis
On view: February 17–May 12, 2024

Henri Matisse spent decades living by the Mediterranean, and his work is infused with a spectrum of blues inspired by the sea’s light reflections. The new exhibition, Matisse and the Sea, marks the first comprehensive exploration of how Matisse engaged with the sea throughout his career, from the south of France to Tahiti. Featuring notable pieces like Bathers with Turtle (1907–08), this exhibition offers an in-depth look at Matisse’s sea-themed works across various media. It not only showcases his artistic journey but also his fascination with the sea as both a subject and a motif.

3. The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
On view: February 25–June 28, 2024

After years of preparation, the eagerly awaited exhibition The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism promises to offer a fresh perspective on the contributions of Black artists. This show will feature works by Harlem Renaissance figures such as Charles Alston, Archibald Motley, and James Van Der Zee—primarily sourced from collections at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). These will be displayed alongside pieces by European modernists like Henri Matisse, Edvard Munch, and Pablo Picasso, highlighting the transatlantic connections and influences between these artists.

4. Whitney Biennial 2024: Even Better Than the Real Thing

Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City
On view: starting March 20, 2024

Every Whitney Biennial elicits strong reactions, whether it’s awe, confusion, frustration, or inspiration, and this year’s edition promises to be no different. Since 1932, the Biennial has showcased cutting-edge contemporary work by American artists who are pushing boundaries and making waves. Expect a variety of multimedia pieces—like the memorable virtual-reality goggles from 2017—and a focus on pressing political themes. Curated by Chrissie Iles and Meg Onli, the lineup for this year’s Biennial has yet to be revealed, but you can count on the art making a powerful impact.

5. New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024

National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington DC
On view: April 14–August 11, 2024

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) presents “New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024,” a triennial showcase of emerging talent, following a major renovation in 2023 that has revitalized this unique DC institution. As the only museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to female artists, NMWA is well-positioned to offer an exhibition brimming with innovative and exciting work. This year’s lineup includes two dozen artists from around the globe, including Germany, Arkansas, and Peru. Don’t miss the chance to see their groundbreaking work before it hits the mainstream.

6. Georgia O’Keeffe: “My New Yorks”

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
On view: June 2–September 24, 2024

The Art Institute of Chicago presents a fascinating exploration of Georgia O’Keeffe’s early work in “My New Yorks,” which delves into her formative years in the nation’s largest city. Before she became renowned for her depictions of flowers, skulls, and desert landscapes, O’Keeffe captured the dynamic perspectives of New York City life, from the dizzying heights of skyscrapers to views from her 30th-floor apartment. This exhibition will highlight how her urban experiences played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.

7. Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries

Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth
On view: June 16–September 15, 2024

The Renaissance era’s grandest storytelling medium, tapestries, were not only masterpieces of scale and luxury but also vehicles for narrative and sometimes propaganda. The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is hosting the first U.S. presentation of “Art and War in the Renaissance: The Battle of Pavia Tapestries,” showcasing a stunning series of seven tapestries commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. These magnificent works, woven from wool, silk, and metallic threads, illustrate the 16th-century emperor’s military triumphs over France. Step into these intricately designed tapestries to experience vivid battle scenes, opulent costumes, and detailed landscapes as the imperial courtiers once did.

8. 1692: The Salem Witch Trials

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts
On view: July 6, 2024–June 1, 2026

The infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693 continue to intrigue and horrify, reflecting a dark chapter in American history. The Peabody Essex Museum, located near the historic trial site, presents a new, ongoing exhibition titled “1692: The Salem Witch Trials.” This installation offers a renewed perspective on the events through personal documents and artifacts, shedding light on the individuals ensnared by the hysteria. The exhibition emphasizes that this tragic period was not only a profound instance of intolerance but also a devastating experience for real people caught in its grip.

9. Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment

National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
September 8, 2024–January 19, 2025

In 1874, an exhibition in Paris marked a cultural turning point by showcasing art that explored the effects of light, the practice of painting en plein air, and a challenge to traditional artistic conventions. Featuring pioneering artists like Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir—who were once considered avant-garde—this movement has since become central to the art world. “Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment” at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, revisits this groundbreaking era, offering a comprehensive view of the visual and social context that defined a pivotal moment in Western art.

10. Picasso and Paper

Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland
December 8, 2024–March 23, 2025

Pablo Picasso’s artistic genius continues to captivate audiences, and the Cleveland Museum of Art is delving into a unique aspect of his work with “Picasso and Paper.” This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the maestro’s career through his innovative use of paper. The show features a diverse range of works, including studies for major paintings, collages crafted from multiple paper elements, sketchbooks, and even three-dimensional paper guitars. For those who think they know all there is to know about Picasso, this exhibition promises new insights and discoveries.