New York City design week returns to the Big Apple with over 163,000 designers, innovators, industry leaders, and enthusiasts coming together for NYCxDesign Festival.
Established in 2012, the festival has grown into a cultural gathering of dynamic programming across the city’s five boroughs. The festival, which is highly regarded as one of the world’s leading design gatherings, will showcase projects from emerging artists, schools, universities as well as cultural institutions and global brands.
“NYCxDESIGN represents a global platform that showcases the ideas, talent, and innovation that make New YorkCity such an influential design destination, and home to the largest concentration of creatives per capita anywhere,” Ilene Shaw, Executive Director of NYCxDESIGN, said in a press release. She added, “Across neighborhoods and disciplines, our annual festival brings together the people and perspectives that define NYC’s extraordinary creative energy.”
The festival returns May 14 to 20, with both private and public events scattered across the city, as well as unofficial exhibitions that are often not to be missed. Here’s our editor’s picks on what you can’t miss.
Frieze Art Fair
Returning to NYC for its 15th edition, Frieze is an unmissable stop for any serious art collector, bringing together world-class artists and galleries for the week. Taking place at The Shed in Hudson Yards, Frieze is just a few steps away from the iconic art district of Chelsea.
This year, the fair has a strong focus on Latin American influences and artists. Major galleries including Gagosian, Perrotin, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, and David Zwirner are set to return. Notable Latin American galleries like OMR will also make an appearance.
On view from May 13-17, 2026 at 545 West 30th Street, New York, NY 10001.
For more information visit www.frieze.com
Galerie Amélie du Chalard
Based in New York City and Paris, Galerie Amélie du Chalard supports hundreds of artists across various stages in their careers, exploring diverse materiality with around a dozen of exhibits around the year.
During design week, the gallery will present the first US solo exhibition of Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert, a Paris-based artist, craftsman, and designer. Featuring spun molten glass inspired by cosmological processes, Photon, is Wintrebert’s largest presentation to date.
A cocktail opening will be hosted on May 15.
On view through May 23 at 85 – 87 Mercer St New York, NY 10012.
For more information visit www.amelieduchalard.com
Roberto Lugo at Madison Square Park
For those looking for an outdoor exhibit, Philadelphia-based artist Roberto Lugo’s exhibit at Madison Square Park is a must-see towards the end of the week. Known for his ceramic sculptures, Lugo brings together European traditions with more urban approaches like hip hop and graffiti, as well as calling on Puerto Rican culture.
Presented by the Madison Square Park Conservancy, Lugo will present two sculptures: a twenty-foot-high urn and a fifteen-foot-high fire hydrant, made from hand-painted milled foam. Dubbed Alfarero del Barrio (or village potter), the exhibition’s large proportions will allow for visitors to engage with the sculptures.
On view from May 20 through December 6 at Madison Square Park.
For more information visit www.madisonsquarepark.org
Office of Tangible Space and VERSO
Interdisciplinary design studio Office of Tangible Space and contemporary design gallery VERSO are teaming up for a NYCxDesign project titled Nothing Comes from Nothing. Presented at the ground floor of 144 Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn, the exhibit explores how innovation happens not in a vacuum, but through its predecessors.
A separate installation designed by Office of Tangible Space will also be on view at the same location, with the project titled The Espasso Apartment.
On view from May 13 to 27 at 144 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205.
USM and Pinch Food Design
Swiss-based modular furniture company USM and boutique food design studio Pinch Food Design are partnering for Food Form Function, reimagining USM’s flagship store in SoHo through food, movement, and interaction.
Visitors will be able to experience eight bespoke USM pieces, made in collaboration with Pinch Food Design, including a reimagined champagne fountain, bar cart, storage systems, and more.
The exhibition will be on view from May 16 to June 19 at 28-30 Greene Street, NY, 10012.
For more information visit us.usm.com
