As the vibrant hues of autumn sweep across Europe, the continent's art scene flourishes with a captivating array of exhibitions. These displays, ranging from intimate showcases to expansive retrospectives, spotlight both forgotten pioneers and avant-garde voices, challenging conventional art narratives. From surrealist mythologies to the politics of memory, and from immersive digital realms to archives of resistance, these exhibitions capture the diverse spectrum of modern and contemporary art. Spanning cities such as Paris, London, Milan, Madrid, and Antwerp, they reflect the dialogues shaping Europe's cultural landscape this season.

'Ghosts: Visualising the Supernatural' - Kunstmuseum Basel, Germany

Open until 1 February 2026, this exhibition features artists like Mike Kelley, Tony Oursler, and Hilma af Klint. It explores themes of haunting, spiritualism, and surrealism, connecting 19th-century influences with modern expressions.

Maty Biayenda: Le carrousel - Frac Île-de-France, Project Room, Paris, France

Concluding on 2 November 2025, this exhibition delves into Black female bodies and nocturnal iconography through various mediums, weaving personal memory with collective imagination.

Marisol - Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Humlebæk, Denmark

Ending on 22 February 2026, this is the first major European retrospective of Marisol’s satirical Pop Art sculptures, exploring themes of gender, identity, and satire.

Noir Matters - Château de Montgoger, France

From 18 to 26 October 2025, this exhibition showcases artists like Michael Armitage and Zanele Muholi, addressing resistance, colonial memory, and queer and feminist struggles.

Saodat Ismailova: Chillahona - M HKA, Antwerp, Belgium

Running until 11 January 2026, this three-channel video installation reflects on ancestral practices and memories of Central Asia during the perestroika era.

Leonora Carrington - Palazzo Reale, Milan, Italy

Ending on 11 January 2026, this retrospective covers Carrington’s career, focusing on themes of surrealism, folklore, and feminism.

Quiet Grounds: Tyburn Foundation Residencies 2025 - PIASA, Paris, France

From 17 to 22 October 2025, during Art Basel Paris week, this group exhibition presents works by artists like Primrose Panashe Chingandu, developed during residencies in Italy and Zimbabwe.

Maruja Mallo: Máscara y compás - Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid, Spain

Running until 16 March 2026, this exhibition offers a chronological overview of Mallo's works, from magical realism to surrealism and geometric configurations.

Yuko Mohri: Entanglements - HangarBicocca, Milan, Italy

Concluding on 11 January 2026, this exhibition features large-scale in-situ systems combining assemblage and sound, exploring kinetic and immersive themes.

Lawrence Lek: Life Before Automation - Goldsmiths CCA, London, UK

Ending on 14 December 2025, this exhibition is the largest UK showcase of Lawrence Lek, integrating film, video games, and his Sinofuturist cinematic universe.