International Museum Day falls on the 18th of May, and there’s no shortage of outstanding exhibitions to mark the date. Of special note in New York City, The Frick Collection has reopened following a five-year, $220 million renovation that nearly doubled its gallery footprint. Beginning June 18, the highly anticipated special exhibition, Vermeer’s Love Letters, will be on view through August 31. Also of note, the Venice Biennale opens in May.
Through May 11
Dress Rehearsal: The Art of Theatrical Design | Legion of Honor, San Francisco
©Alexandra Exter, Theater and Dance Collection,
gift of Mr. and Mrs. Nikita D. Lobanov
In celebration of the museum’s 100th anniversary, a selection of outstanding costume and set designs through two intertwined stories: the history of theater and dance and the museum’s founding. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. famsf.org
Through May 26
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
An elegant 9,400 sq. ft. Pacific Heights home features a huge rooftop deck with breathtaking city and bay views. Top interior designers work their magic in this gracious mansion. Fundraiser for University High School Financial Aid Program. 2935 Pacific Ave. decoratorshowcase.org
Through June 8
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: Dance Series 2 | San Francisco Bay Area
The program embraces the future while honoring the past with a masterpiece from Founder Michael Smuin. At SF’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts before moving to venues in Sonoma, Walnut Creek, Mountain View, and Carmel. smuinballet.org
Through June 29
Myth and Marble: Ancient Roman Sculpture from the Torlonia Collection | Art Institute of Chicago
Many of the 58 statues depicting gods and goddesses, alongside portraits of emperors, date from the 5th century BC to the early 4th century AD and have not been seen publicly for more than 70 years. Following Chicago, North American tour to Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts next year. artic.org
Through July 6
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64 | de Young, San Francisco
Photographers in Central Park
New York, February 1964. Pigmented inkjet print
© 1964 Paul McCartney under exclusive license to
MPL Archive LLP
More than 250 personal photographs are exhibited in the show organized by London’s National Portrait Gallery. Nearly 60 years after The Beatles performed their final concert at Candlestick Park, visitors get a behind-the-scenes look into the meteoric rise of Beatlemania. famsf.org
Through Aug. 31
David Hockney 25 | Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris
Courtesy of Fondation Louis Vuitton
David Hockney, 87, has been personally involved in the largest-ever exhibition of his work including more than 400 paintings, drawings, digital media pieces, and immersive video installations. Focused on the past 25 years, there are also early works such as Portrait of My Father (1955) and A Bigger Splash (1967), plus just-finished pieces from his studio.
Through Sept. 2
Ruth Asawa: Retrospective | SFMOMA, San Francisco
The first major museum retrospective of this legendary Bay Area artist’s groundbreaking work. More than 300 works spanning six decades: sculpture, drawings, prints, paintings, and design objects. 151 Third St. sfmoma.org
MAY
May 10 – Nov. 23
Venice Biennale | Venice, Italy
The 19th Annual Architecture Exhibition is titled Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective., curated by Carlo Ratti and organized by La Biennale di Venezia. The Collateral Events, admitted by the Curator and promoted by nonprofit national and international bodies and institutions, take place in several locations. They offer a wide range of contributions and perspectives, enriching the diversity of voices that characterizes the exhibition of Venice. labiennale.org/en/architecture/2025
May 10 – 11
Mill Valley Music Festival | Mill Valley, CA
A two-day arts and culture event produced by Mill Valley Chamber and Noise Pop Industries. A diverse mix of national and local acts plus food, drink and art. Headliners Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers & Chic. Friends Field. millvalleymusicfest.com
May 16 – 18
Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience | Healdsburg, Sonoma Valley
A four-day celebration featuring the best of food and wines, showcasing farmers, growers, winemakers, and chefs at events in venues in and around Healdsburg. American Idol and BottleRock performer Allen Stone headlines an outdoor concert at Rodney Strong Vineyards. healdsburgwineandfood.com
May 20
Two Pianos: Jean-Yves Thibaudet & Michael Feinstein | San Francisco Symphony
A love of jazz and the wonderful Great American Songbook makes for a night of sheer talent and fun in the Great Performers Series. Who could ask for anything more? Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org
May 23 – 25
BottleRock | Napa Valley, CA
Three days of music + food + wine + craft brew with a red hot musical artist lineup and a sizzling culinary stage. Festival headliners for 2025: Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan. Napa Valley Expo. bottlerocknapavalley.com
May 31
2025 UEFA Champions League Final | Munich, Germany
The 70th season of Europe’s premier football club tournament, taking place at Allianz Arena. The winners will earn the right to play against the winners of the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup. uefa.com