Introduction

The Carnegie International is North America's oldest exhibition of contemporary art from around the world and one of the most prestigious recurring art exhibitions globally. Founded in 1896 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the exhibition has been held at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, consistently showcasing the most compelling artworks of our time.

Occurring approximately every four to five years, the Carnegie International brings together established and emerging artists from across the globe, providing a critical snapshot of the current moment in contemporary art. The exhibition has played a pivotal role in introducing international art to American audiences while building a remarkable permanent collection through acquisitions from each edition.

Narrative & Themes

Throughout its long history, the Carnegie International has evolved alongside developments in modern and contemporary art, consistently reflecting the prevailing artistic concerns and social contexts of its time. Each edition is developed by a different curator or curatorial team, bringing fresh perspectives and thematic frameworks to the exhibition.

Recent editions have addressed pressing contemporary issues such as globalization, migration, environmental concerns, and the politics of representation. The International consistently provides a platform for artists whose work offers critical reflections on our complex present while connecting to broader historical narratives.

Unlike many biennials and triennials that emerged in the late 20th century, the Carnegie International has a distinctive institutional context within an encyclopedic museum. This allows for meaningful dialogues between contemporary practices and historical collections, creating opportunities for artists to engage with both the museum's architecture and its extensive holdings.

History & Context

The Carnegie International was established in 1896 as the "Annual Exhibition of International Paintings," part of Andrew Carnegie's vision to build a world-class collection for the newly founded Carnegie Museum of Art. Carnegie's ambition was to create an exhibition that would bring the "Old Masters of tomorrow" to Pittsburgh, exposing American audiences to international developments in contemporary art.

Initially focused on painting, the exhibition gradually expanded to include sculpture, installation, film, and other media. It transitioned from an annual to a biannual schedule in 1950, and eventually to its current format of every four to five years, allowing adequate time for curatorial development and artistic production.

Exhibition Venue

The Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serves as the exclusive venue for the Carnegie International. Housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building that has undergone several expansions since its founding, the museum provides diverse exhibition spaces that accommodate a wide range of artistic practices.

The exhibition typically occupies multiple galleries throughout the museum, including the grand Hall of Sculpture, the Heinz Galleries, the Forum Gallery, and often extends into public spaces, the museum's façade, and sometimes into the adjacent Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This institutional context creates a unique environment where contemporary art engages directly with historical collections and architectural spaces.