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.
In the News
Current coverage of the Carnegie International
The Museum as a Laboratory: How the Carnegie International Shapes American Art
Unlike the sprawling, city-wide biennials that have proliferated globally, the Carnegie International maintains a unique and powerful identity rooted in its home: the encyclopedic Carnegie Museum of Art. This distinction is not merely logistical; it is philosophical. Since its inception in 1896, the International has operated as a dynamic laboratory within the museum, creating a century-long dialogue between the art of the now and the art of the ages.
Andrew Carnegie's founding vision was audacious: to acquire the "Old Masters of tomorrow" for Pittsburgh. This meant the International was designed from day one not just as a temporary exhibition, but as the primary engine for building a world-class collection of contemporary art. Each edition is a high-stakes curatorial proposition where new works are placed in direct conversation with the museum's permanent holdings—from ancient artifacts to Impressionist masterpieces. An installation by a contemporary African artist might be just steps away from the museum’s renowned Hall of Architecture, creating unexpected and often profound connections across time and culture.
This institutional context gives the International a gravitas that few other recurring exhibitions can claim. Artists are invited not just to show their work, but to respond to the very fabric of the museum—its architecture, its collections, and its history in an industrial American city. For the 57th edition in 2018, for example, curator Ingrid Schaffner invited artists to create a "joyful museum," with interventions that spilled into the library, natural history museum, and even the public spaces. This approach turned the entire institution into a site of discovery, blurring the lines between exhibition and collection.
The impact of this model is twofold. First, it ensures the museum's collection remains a living, evolving entity, perpetually refreshed and challenged by the present moment. Masterpieces by artists like Winslow Homer, Pierre Bonnard, and Willem de Kooning all entered the collection through early Internationals. More recently, works by Nicole Eisenman, Kerry James Marshall, and Phyllida Barlow have joined the canon, purchased directly from the exhibition.
Second, it offers a distinct experience for visitors, who are encouraged to see contemporary art not as an isolated phenomenon, but as part of a continuous, unfolding history. This curatorial strategy has become increasingly relevant as the art world grapples with questions of historical revisionism and cultural representation. The International provides a physical and intellectual space to re-examine the past through the lens of the most urgent contemporary artistic voices.
As it approaches its 59th edition, the Carnegie International's "museum as laboratory" model stands as a testament to the enduring power of placing the new in dialogue with the old. It remains a quiet giant in the biennial landscape, proving that the most radical artistic statements are often those that resonate with, and reshape, history itself.
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," 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.
Inaugural exhibition, establishing the Carnegie International's mission
Introduction of the Carnegie Prize, awarded to an outstanding work
Exhibition expands to embrace installation and new media art
57th edition curated by Ingrid Schaffner receives critical acclaim
58th edition, "Is it morning for you yet?," explores the U.S. and the international
From the Art World
Contemporary art news and visual culture from leading sources
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, 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, and the Forum Gallery, and often extends into public spaces and the adjacent Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This context creates a unique environment where contemporary art engages directly with historical collections.
Video Experience
Go behind the scenes of the 58th Carnegie International, "Is it morning for you yet?," and hear directly from the curators and artists who shaped this landmark exhibition.
Video: A Look at the 58th Carnegie International | Watch on YouTube
Venue Location
The Carnegie International takes place at the Carnegie Museum of Art, located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, a hub of cultural and educational institutions.
Pittsburgh City Guide
Discover the creative spirit of the Steel City with our guide to Pittsburgh's vibrant art scene, historic neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks beyond the museum.
Largest museum for a single artist in North America
Pioneering installation art museum
Historic market district with galleries
Public art and sanctuary for exiled writers
Art Districts & More
- 📍 Garfield: Penn Avenue Arts District and First Friday gallery crawls.
- 📍 Lawrenceville: Trendy boutiques, artist studios, and street art.
- 📍 South Side: Eclectic shops and the contemporary hub, Brew House Association.