As summer comes to an end, Germany steps into one of its most lively moments for contemporary art. September brings an extraordinary concentration of events that draw international collectors, curators, and art professionals alike. Within just a few days, gallery weekends, art fairs, and major museum exhibitions create a vibrant circuit stretching across Germany from Frankfurt and the Rhine region to Berlin. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover fresh voices alongside established names. Highlights this year include the Frankfurt Art Experience, the DC Open in Düsseldorf/Cologne, and the Berlin Art Week—all of which set the tone for the European autumn art season.

Berlin: Berlin Art Week & Positions Berlin Art Fair

The Berlin Art Week (10–14 September 2025) unfurls across the vibrant capital of Germany, anchoring the city’s autumn art season. For five days, over 100 museums, galleries, collections, and project spaces open their doors, inviting exploration through a tapestry of exhibitions, performances, and discussions. The program gracefully weaves together the narratives of established masters, the fresh perspectives of emerging talents, and the enduring legacy of modern classic artworks, particularly within Berlin’s esteemed institutions

The week unfolds with a rhythmic grace: Wednesday herald’s major institutional openings, notably the Julia Stoschek Foundation’s presentation of Mark Leckey’s evocative “Enter Thru Medieval Wounds.” As Thursday dawns, the Positions Berlin Art Fair ignites at Tempelhof’s Hangar 7, showcasing 75 galleries from 18 countries, a testament to Germany’s vibrant art scene. That same evening, the city’s Gallery Night beckons, inviting art enthusiasts to wander through 50 Berlin galleries until late, offering extended hours, insightful talks, and captivating performances on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, from 6–10 pm, a true celebration of diverse artworks.

Notable museum exhibitions during Berlin Art Week:

• Hamburger Bahnhof – Petrit Halilaj: An Opera out of Time (11.09.2025–31.05.2026) – Halilaj presents his first major institutional solo exhibition in Berlin, featuring sculptures, installations, video art, and his opera Syrigana.
• Neue Nationalgalerie – Yoko Ono: Dream Together (11.04.–14.09.2025) – Ono invites visitors to participate in collective actions that highlight the power of community and peace. The exhibition features a range of her artworks, from participatory pieces to key examples of conceptual art.
• Georg-Kolbe-Museum – Tea and Dry Biscuits (17.04.–28.09.2025) – The exhibition places the history of the museum and Georg Kolbe’s work in a contemporary context, , highlighting the dialogue between his classical sculptures and current artistic positions Curated by Dr. Elisa Tamaschke, with contributions from Dr. Kathleen Reinhardt, director of the museum and future curator of the German Pavilion at the 2026 Biennale, the show offers fresh perspectives on Kolbe’s legacy and its relevance to today’s art scene.

Düsseldorf & Cologne: DC Open

The DC Open (5–7 September 2025) unites 50 galleries from Düsseldorf and Cologne to launch the autumn art season in the Rhine region. The event showcases artworks across all media, from painting and sculpture to video, and features a dedicated program for visitors, collectors and curators with exclusive tours and artist talks.

Recommended museum visits:

• K21, Düsseldorf – Julie Mehretu: KAIROS / Hauntological Variations (10.05.–12.10.2025) – The first comprehensive mid-career exhibition of the Ethiopian-American artist in Germany, featuring nearly 100 artworks, including monumental abstract paintings and works on paper.
• K21 – Queer Modernism 1900–1950 (27.09.2025–15.02.2026) – This major historical exhibition explores the contributions of queer artists to modernism, presenting over 130 artworks by international artists from the first half of the 20th century.
• Museum Ludwig, Cologne – Five Friends (03.10.2025–11.01.2026) – The exhibition tells the story of five influential artists from the postwar art network: John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and Cy Twombly.

Frankfurt: Frankfurt Art Experience

The Frankfurt Art Experience (5–7 September 2025) showcases the city’s dynamic art scene. Around 50 galleries and offspaces present current artworks by both established artists and emerging talent. Guided Art Walks offer visitors a curated tour through Frankfurt’s galleries and districts.

Museum highlight in Frankfurt:

• Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection – Isa Genzken meets Liebieghaus (06.03.–26.10.2025) – The exhibition pairs ancient sculptures with contemporary works by Isa Genzken, one of Germany’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, highlighting how historical and modern artworks engage in dialogue.

A Must for Art Lovers

Autumn 2025 in Germany promises a vibrant showcase of contemporary artworks across Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Frankfurt. From major fairs to museum exhibitions, the season highlights the diversity and dynamism of the current art scene—an essential experience for collectors, curators, and enthusiasts alike. We at Moviiu will be present on-site at both the DC Open and Berlin Art Week, introducing our smart art shipping solution to key players in the German art scene.

 

Photo Credits:

1. Lotte Laserstein, Ich und mein Modell, oil on canvas, 49.5 × 69.5 cm, Private Collection, Courtesy Agnews, London © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2025
2. Yoko Ono and John Lennon Bed-In for Peace 1969 Amsterdam Photograph by Ruud Hoff
3. Petrit Halilaj, 20th October 2020 (Pear), 2025_c_Chert Lüdde Berlin_photo Marjorie Brunet Plaza
4. Georg Kolbe Museum_Tea and Dry Biscuits_2025
5. Julie Mehretu, TRANSpaintings(recurrence) Courtesy of the artist, White Cube, London and Marian Goodman Gallery, New York, Photo Wh