We dedicate this November to the celebration of arts and culture. With cultural institutions around the world now vibrantly active, there’s an unparalleled excitement to explore the world’s most beautiful libraries, newest museums, and exciting exhibitions. The pandemic brought global travel and tourism to a standstill, but amidst this crisis, a remarkable number of new and exciting museums emerged across the globe in 2020 and 2021. These institutions, dedicated to diverse subjects like art, history, culture, and innovation, stand as testaments to human resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. Here are some of the most noteworthy openings.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Los Angeles
A long-awaited dream for cinephiles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, finally opened its doors in September 2021 after a year-long pandemic delay. Located on Museum Row in Los Angeles, this institution is a shimmering beacon celebrating the art, science, and history of filmmaking. The striking Renzo Piano-designed complex is an architectural marvel in itself, featuring a massive spherical structure that houses the David Geffen Theater, offering panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills.
Inside, the museum unfolds as a captivating journey through the world of cinema. Visitors are immediately immersed in the magic of moviemaking with iconic artifacts and props. Dorothy’s ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" sparkle under the lights, captivating generations of film lovers. Early cinematic equipment reveals the ingenious mechanisms that brought moving images to life. Famous backdrops transport guests to familiar worlds, from the bustling streets of New York to the faraway galaxies of science fiction.
"The Oscars Experience" provides a unique and interactive opportunity for visitors to step onto a simulated Academy Awards stage and accept their very own gold statue. This engaging exhibit allows guests to feel the exhilaration and prestige of the film industry’s biggest night. Other exhibits delve into the history of motion pictures, paying tribute to the titans of the industry as well as the unsung heroes who contribute to the magic behind the camera. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is more than just a collection of artifacts; it’s an immersive and educational experience that celebrates the power of storytelling through film. This 8 New Museums That Opened During the Pandemic is definitely a must see.
Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, Paris
Nestled in the heart of Paris, within a landmark 18th-century building that once served as the city’s stock exchange, lies the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection. This museum, which opened in May 2021 after a 100 million euros renovation, is home to a significant portion of billionaire François Pinault’s vast contemporary art collection.
The building itself is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, a grand testament to Parisian history. However, the art housed within is anything but traditional. The museum showcases cutting-edge paintings, provocative sculptures, and immersive mixed-media installations. This intentional juxtaposition of classic architecture and contemporary art creates a stimulating visual dialogue, challenging visitors to consider the relationship between the past and the present.
The Bourse de Commerce joins three other Pinault Collection museums in Venice, Italy, further solidifying Pinault’s commitment to showcasing contemporary art on an international stage. The museum offers a thought-provoking experience, inviting visitors to engage with art that is often challenging, always stimulating, and invariably memorable. This 8 New Museums That Opened During the Pandemic is a proof that Paris is the place to be if you are an art lover.
Qaumajuq Art Centre, Winnipeg
Located at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg, Canada, Qaumajuq, which translates to "it is bright, it is luminous" in Inuktitut, houses the world’s most extensive public collection of contemporary Inuit art. This groundbreaking institution, developed in close collaboration with Inuit leaders and elders, confronts Canada’s colonial history while celebrating the extraordinary artistic achievements of contemporary Inuit artists.
Qaumajuq is more than just a museum; it’s a cultural center dedicated to preserving and promoting Inuit art and culture. The building’s architecture is inspired by the Arctic landscape, with flowing lines and a soaring central space designed to evoke the vastness and beauty of the North.
The museum’s collection encompasses a wide range of art forms, including sculpture, carvings, drawings, prints, and textiles. These works offer a profound insight into Inuit life, traditions, and beliefs. Qaumajuq hosts a continuous series of special events, including gallery talks, tours, and hands-on learning experiences for children, ensuring that the museum and its collections remain relevant and connected to the community.
Museo Federico Fellini, Rimini
The legendary filmmaker Federico Fellini’s life and work are deeply intertwined with the Italian coastal city of Rimini. Born and raised in Rimini, Fellini often featured the city in his films, most notably in "Amarcord." In August 2021, Rimini honored its most famous son with the inauguration of the Museo Federico Fellini, a unique museum experience spread across three distinct locations within walking distance of the city’s historic center.
The museum’s venues include the imposing 15th-century Castel Sismondo, which serves as a central exhibition space; the open-air Piazza Malatesta, which hosts outdoor exhibits and events; and the vintage Fulgor Cinema, the very cinema where Fellini first fell in love with the movies and which features prominently in "Amarcord."
The Museo Federico Fellini offers a comprehensive look at the director’s life, career, and creative process. Visitors can explore Fellini’s early influences, discover the secrets behind his iconic films, and gain a deeper appreciation for his unique cinematic vision.
MUNCH, Oslo
Oslo’s waterfront is now home to MUNCH, a bold and architecturally striking museum dedicated to the life and work of Edvard Munch, Norway’s most famous – and famously tormented – artist. The museum’s name is intentionally concise, simply MUNCH, reflecting the singular focus on the artist’s legacy.
This towering structure, with its 13 crookedly stacked floors, is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to a single artist. The building’s design is as unconventional as Munch’s art, featuring a leaning facade and a dynamic interplay of angles and perspectives.
Inside, five exhibition areas document Munch’s life and artistic development through his iconic paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures. Visitors can delve into the artist’s inner world, exploring the themes of anxiety, love, loss, and existential angst that permeate his work. This 8 New Museums That Opened During the Pandemic is a great chance to know one of the greatest expressionist artist.
Humboldt Forum, Berlin
Rising amidst the Baroque grandeur of Berlin’s riverfront is the Humboldt Forum, a starkly modern landmark dedicated to non-European art and culture. This vast complex houses collections from the former Ethnological Museum of Berlin and the Museum of Asian Art, as well as temporary exhibitions, performance spaces, shopping areas, and restaurants.
The Humboldt Forum has been the subject of considerable debate, particularly regarding the provenance of some of the artifacts in its collections. These discussions have prompted a broader examination of Germany’s colonial past and the ethics of displaying cultural objects acquired during that era. The museum also aims to address contemporary socio-political issues, providing a platform for dialogue and critical engagement with the world’s diverse cultures.
National Museum of African American Music, Nashville
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is a vibrant and engaging institution dedicated to celebrating the profound legacy and enduring influence of African Americans in U.S. and world music. Opened in January 2021, the museum explores the rich history of African American music through a variety of interactive exhibits, artifacts, films, and recordings.
Galleries are devoted to different phases and genres in the history of Black music in the U.S., including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. The museum pays special attention to some of music’s most influential voices, such as Billy Holiday, Smokey Robinson, and Whitney Houston. The NMAAM is more than just a museum; it’s a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and inspire generations. This 8 New Museums That Opened During the Pandemic is a great way to learn about the most influential figures in music history.
Museum of Art Pudong, Shanghai
Located in the Lujiazui waterfront area of Shanghai, the Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) is a modern exhibition space dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from China and around the world. The museum’s lofty galleries and halls are designed to accommodate monumental and multimedia installations, providing a dynamic platform for artists to push the boundaries of creative expression.
MAP has established partnerships with renowned international collections, such as the Tate London, ensuring world-class visiting exhibitions. The museum’s inaugural exhibit featured the works of Joan Miró, introducing Shanghai audiences to the surrealist master’s iconic imagery. This 8 New Museums That Opened During the Pandemic is a welcome addition to Shanghai’s flourishing art scene.
