New York buzzes with energy each September as The Armory Show takes centre stage from 5 to 7 September, drawing the art world’s attention to the city. But beyond the aisles of the fair, museums and independent spaces across town are presenting exhibitions that offer something equally compelling. From landmark solo shows to thought-provoking surveys, here are five not to miss during your week in New York. Keep an eye out for our bespoke brochure, featuring gallery highlights and insider tips to help you navigate the season.

Installation view of Lorna Simpson at The Met. Photo: courtesy of Ocula. 

Lorna Simpson: Source Notes at The Met. Until 2 November. 

The first exhibition to consider the full scope of Simpson’s painting practice to date. Known for her pioneering conceptual photography in the 1990s, Simpson has since expanded into multiple media to explore how images shape meaning. This show focuses on a key development in her recent work: large-scale paintings that address race, gender, identity and history with the same incisiveness that has defined her practice for over three decades.

Installation view of Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers. Photo: courtesy of MoMA. 

Hilma af Klint: What Stands Behind the Flowers at MoMA. Until 27 November. 

This focused presentation highlights a portfolio of jewel-toned watercolours recently acquired by MoMA. Departing from traditional botanical studies, af Klint pairs delicate renderings of plants with abstract diagrams including mirrored spirals, concentric circles and geometric grids. These works reflect her belief that careful observation of nature can reveal deeper truths about the human experience.

Installation view, The Reach of Faith Ringgold. Photo: courtesy of Ben & Lynn Lieberman. 

Collection in Focus | The Reach of Faith Ringgold at Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Until 14 September. 

At the heart of this spotlight exhibition is Woman on a Bridge Number 1 of 5: Tar Beach from 1988, a landmark quilt by Faith Ringgold that tells the story of a young girl soaring over Harlem. The presentation explores Ringgold’s influences from European modernists such as Picasso and Chagall to contemporary artists like Tschabalala Self and Sanford Biggers, positioning her as a pivotal figure in American art history.

Installation view of Lisa Yuskavage at The Morgan Library and Museum.

Lisa Yuskavage: Drawings at The Morgan Library and Museum. Until 4 January. 

The first museum show dedicated to Yuskavage’s drawings, this exhibition traces over three decades of her practice through a wide range of works on paper. From early figure studies to recent imagined landscapes, the show highlights her experimental use of materials and her ongoing exploration of female identity, the body and the boundaries between reality and invention.

Clio Art Fair 2024. Photo: courtesy of Clio Art Fair. 

Clio Art Fair: The Anti-Fair for Independent Artists at 511 West 25th Street. 4 - 7 September, 2025

Often described as an “anti-fair,” Clio Art Fair places the focus squarely on the artists themselves rather than the market, fostering direct connections between creators and collectors. With no exclusive New York gallery representation, the fair highlights bold, global perspectives and emotionally resonant work. A true New York original, Clio is a must for those looking to discover the city’s edgier, independent scene.