New York in May: A Collector’s Guide to Art, Design, and Culture

Stories News New York in May: A Collector’s Guide to Art, Design, and Culture

From Frieze to the Met Gala, TEFAF to contemporary auctions and Invisible Collection’s own new exhibitions, the city becomes the epicenter of creativity this May.

May in New York is no ordinary month. Brimming with energy and creativity, the city transforms into a sprawling stage for art fairs, design festivals, and cultural celebrations. This year’s calendar is a collector’s dream — from cutting-edge exhibitions at Frieze and TEFAF to the glamour of the Met Gala, the new exhibition at Invisible Collection and the refined craftsmanship highlighted by Villa Albertine. Here’s a guide to the most unmissable moments across the city.
Frieze New York takes over The Shed in Hudson Yards with over 65 international galleries showcasing the best in contemporary art. The fair’s Focus section, curated by Lumi Tan, spotlights emerging talent, new voices and boundary-pushing practices. Collectors, curators, and enthusiasts can also attend thought-provoking talks and immersive installations — a hallmark of Frieze’s global art platform. Frieze New York starts on May 7 and ends on May 11, and collectors won’t have time to rest, as they stroll uptown to the Park Avenue Armory, where TEFAF New York hosts its tenth edition. Known for its museum-quality presentations, and its signature mix of art, antiques, and design,
TEFAF features 91 exhibitors offering fine art, design, jewelry, and antiquities. A private preview on May 8 gives VIP collectors an early chance to acquire some of the world’s most rarefied treasures. (May 9–13)
Invisible Collection’s Gallery on the Upper East Side will present “La Maison du Collectionneur” featuring new designs by Courtney Applebaum and the embroidered wonders of Lesage Intérieurs, the specialty creator from le 19M, Chanel’s hub for savoir-faire. (More on this in the coming days, in the meantime, you can subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about our openings and exhibitions and get your invitation.)
May is also prime auction season. Both Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips are offering landmark evening sales that capture the pulse of the contemporary art market in addition to fueling dialogue about cultural value, legacy, and artistic innovation. Christie’s will present its 20th/21st Century: New York sale, with star lots from Monet, Mondrian, Rothko, Warhol, and Basquiat. The preview exhibitions at Rockefeller Center are themselves major events. Sotheby’s hosts its Now and Contemporary Art auctions, featuring artists who reflect the evolving global narrative, from Jean-Michel Basquiat to contemporary talents like Amoako Boafo and Emily Mae Smith.

Complementing the city’s vibrant art scene, Phillips joins the auction calendar with two significant events, the Modern & Contemporary Art Evening and Day Sales at its New York headquarters at 432 Park Avenue. The Evening Sale on May 13 includes standout works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Gerhard Richter, Donald Judd, Ed Ruscha, and Olga de Amaral — as well as a Basquiat piece once owned by David Bowie. First-time appearances by artists like James Turrell and Kiki Kogelnik add to the excitement. On May 14, the Day Sales continue with works by Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, Rashid Johnson, Nicole Eisenman, and others. Select lots will benefit The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, with pieces donated directly from artists’ studios. Public viewing is open May 3–13, ten days during which visitor will be able to also experience our special installation in the VIP lounge. We thought it was fitting that in a space dedicated to collectors we celebrate Jacques Doucet, the first true modern collector – the one who recognized the radical power of Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and dared to own it. His avant-garde spirit inspires an exclusive furniture collection that speaks to connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Speaking of collectible design, New York will also fête contemporary design through the NYCxDESIGN Festival (May 15–21) and Villa Albertine’s “Oui Design!”. The former turns the city into a living gallery with installations, panels, and design showcases. Now in its 12th edition, the NYCxDESIGN Festival returns with events throughout the five boroughs. From installations and gallery openings to panels and pop-ups, the festival celebrates innovation and inclusivity in design. Highlights include the Design Pavilion in public spaces and a new emphasis on international voices — particularly through a French-American collaboration with Villa Albertine. The French institution, housed at the Payne Whitney Mansion, will host a daylong celebration of French craftsmanship. The pop-up features live demonstrations by artisans and showcases contemporary techniques in embroidery, glass, woodwork, and more. The event underscores Villa Albertine’s mission to foster cultural dialogue between France and the U.S., particularly in the applied arts.

Last but not least, and first on the calendar on May 5 : The Met Gala! Fashion’s most iconic night returns to the steps of the Met to celebrate the Costume Institute’s exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion, the exhibition explores the evolution of Black dandyism and its impact on fashion and identity. The dress code, “Tailored for You,” invites attendees to interpret menswear through personal and cultural lenses. Co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary chair, the event promises a night of sartorial excellence and cultural reflection.
From gallery walls to city streets, from high fashion to artisan craft and collectible design, May in New York offers a rich blend of tradition and experimentation. Visit our gallery in New York and enjoy all the city has to offer: there is no better time to witness how culture is being shaped — and reshaped — in real time.

Courtney Applebaum Design

Los Angeles-based Interior Designer Courtney Applebaum was initially drawn to architecture and interior design as she saw these worlds as arenas for self-expression and beauty. Established in 2011, her studio is dedicated to creating spaces that brim with purpose and individuality through a mix of design periods, furniture styles and unexpected materials. Curated eclecticism that naturally evokes a minimalist mood is the hallmark of each project.

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