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The May Culture Guide

From Frieze New York to Feria de Sevilla, and a striking new exhibition at Fondazione Prada, May is a feast for the culturally curious. Here’s where to go and what to see around the world.

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Elaborate fans and delicate lace veils are a familiar sight during the weeklong Seville Fair. Photo by Martine Assouline.

Culture is more than a moment—it’s a lens through which we experience the world. With the Assouline Culture Guide, we curate the most inspiring events, exhibitions, and destinations globally, offering a discerning perspective on what to see, where to dine, where to stay, and more.

Consider this your essential monthly guide to the unmissable cultural moments shaping our time.

Seville, Spain

What to Experience: Feria de Sevilla (April 28–May 4) is Spain’s most vibrant celebration, filling the streets with flamenco, horse-drawn carriages, and Andalusian tradition. Whether you’re savoring fino sherry in a private caseta or dancing until dawn, Feria is a feast for the senses.

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The work of Sarah Cain, an American contemporary artist, presented at Galerie Lelong during Frieze New York 2019. Photo by Mark Blower.

New York City

What to See: Frieze New York (May 7-11) takes over The Shed with a carefully curated selection of leading galleries, showcasing the best in contemporary and modern art. Expect major works from global powerhouses alongside emerging talent shaping the future of art.

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What to Experience: The first Monday in May belongs to the Met Gala (May 6), fashion’s most anticipated night, where the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition sets the tone for global style. While the gala itself is invitation-only, the accompanying exhibition, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," is a must-see—a vibrant exploration of how Black men have used the art of superb tailoring and personal style as a powerful form of self-expression across centuries.

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What to Explore: The NYCxDesign Festival (May 15–21) transforms the city into a hub of creativity, with pop-ups, exhibitions, and installations highlighting the best in architecture, interiors, and product design. From industry leaders to rising stars, this is where design’s next big ideas take shape.

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Immagine della mostra “NADA”di Thierry De Cordier. Photo by Agostino Osio. Courtesy Fondazione Prada.

Milan, Italy

What to See: Fondazione Prada presents NADA by Thierry De Cordier, a contemplative exhibition exploring themes of solitude, landscape, and existential philosophy. A must-visit for those drawn to introspective, thought-provoking art.

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What to Experience: The world premiere of "Il nome della rosa," an opera adapted from Umberto Eco's renowned novel, marks a significant cultural event at Teatro alla Scala. Composed by Francesco Filidei as a joint commission from La Scala and the Paris Opéra, this production reaffirms the Piermarini stage's prestigious position at the forefront of contemporary international culture.

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The Blue Room (La chambre bleue) , 1923. Found in the collection of the Musée national d'art moderne, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris. Artist Valadon, Suzanne (1865-1938). Photo by Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images.

Paris, France

What to See: Open until May 26, the Centre Pompidou presents Suzanne Valdon, a monograph dedicated to the fearless and groundbreaking artist who stands among the most significant figures of her era.

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What to See: In celebration of the Dessin 2025 fair, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents a tribute to Rococo Style starring Nicolas Pineau, the ornamental sculptor and architect who was instrumental in the artistic renaissance of the early 18th century.

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The Museum of Islamic Art appears to float above the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Courtesy of the Museum of Islamic Art.

Doha, Qatar

What to See: Beginning May 22, journey through a rich tapestry of Islamic culinary heritage spanning centuries to the present day. The newest exhibit at the Museum of Islamic Art titled "A Seat at the Table: Food & Feasting in the Islamic World," reveals how trade routes transformed ingredients and cooking methods, while showcasing the elaborate dining customs that defined royal courts across the Islamic world.

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Discover the Locations
Travel Series Sevilla Arte
$105 USD
Back in Stock
The Classics Collection Milan Chic
$120 USD
Back in Stock
The Legends Collection New York by New York
$250 USD
Back in Stock
The Classics Collection Paris Chic
$120 USD

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