A new wave of major contemporary artists leads The Obama Presidential Center’s new commissions.

The Obama Presidential Center has unveiled a new round of commissions by major contemporary artists, including Nick Cave, Jenny Holzer, Jack Pierson, Kiki Smith, Idris Khan, Alison Saar, Aliza Nisenbaum, Nekisha Durrett, Jules Julien, and Marie Watt. Their site-specific works, from monumental bronze figures to immersive murals and text-based installations, will animate nearly every corner of the Center’s 19-acre Chicago campus. The initiative builds on the Obamas’ longstanding commitment to the arts as part of civic life, ensuring that public art remains central to the visitor experience. Opening in spring 2026, the Center will position these works within a larger program dedicated to storytelling, democratic ideals, and community connection.

Labor strikes over proposed budget cuts have forced major Paris museums to close.

Labor unrest in France has shut the doors of major museums and monuments, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Arc de Triomphe. The closures come as workers across culture, transport, and other sectors protest austerity measures proposed by former Prime Minister François Bayrou, whose resignation earlier this week deepened the government crisis. Bayrou’s plan sought to cut nearly $52 billion from the national budget by scrapping public holidays and freezing pensions and welfare payments. Demonstrations tied to the “Bloquons Tout” movement have spread through Paris and beyond, using strikes and mass gatherings to halt daily life and pressure leaders to abandon the cuts.

NASA’s Perseverance Rover has discovered potential signs of life on Mars.

Untitled Art has named the 157 exhibitors for its 2025 Miami Beach edition, which runs December 3-7 with a preview on December 2. Participants span 29 countries and more than 70 cities, with newcomers such as Harper’s, Meliksetian Briggs, Spencer Brownstone, Gene Gallery, and PALMA joining returning galleries including Carl Freedman Gallery, CURRO, and WHATIFTHEWORLD. The fair expands its curatorial approach this year with guest curators Petra Cortright, Allison Glenn, and Jonny Tanna, who will oversee new and reimagined sectors including Artist Spotlight, Special Projects, and an enlarged Nest program for first-time and nonprofit exhibitors. Together, the additions reinforce the fair’s positioning as a platform for discovery and support for emerging and underrepresented voices.

Untitled Art has announced the 157 exhibitors of its upcoming Miami Beach edition.

Untitled Art has named the 157 exhibitors for its 2025 Miami Beach edition, which runs December 3-7 with a preview on December 2. Participants span 29 countries and more than 70 cities, with newcomers such as Harper’s, Meliksetian Briggs, Spencer Brownstone, Gene Gallery, and PALMA joining returning galleries including Carl Freedman Gallery, CURRO, and WHATIFTHEWORLD. The fair expands its curatorial approach this year with guest curators Petra Cortright, Allison Glenn, and Jonny Tanna, who will oversee new and reimagined sectors including Artist Spotlight, Special Projects, and an enlarged Nest program for first-time and nonprofit exhibitors. Together, the additions reinforce the fair’s positioning as a platform for discovery and support for emerging and underrepresented voices.

The late Giorgio Armani’s final designs will be shown at the finale of Milan Fashion Week.

Giorgio Armani’s final collections will be unveiled during Milan Fashion Week later this month, with Emporio Armani showing on September 24 and the Giorgio Armani line closing the schedule on September 28 at the Brera Pinacoteca. The presentations coincide with an exhibition of 150 archival looks marking the 50th anniversary of his namesake label, opening September 24 at Palazzo Brera. Armani worked on both projects until his death on September 4, and the company has pledged to carry forward his values of rigor and dedication. Thousands have already gathered in Milan to honor the designer, underscoring the lasting impact of his work on Italian fashion.

Today’s attractive distractions:

This Ken Fulk-designed animal shelter is as exuberant as you might expect. 

The very best fall style seems to be skipping fashion week for the film fest circuit. 

Diet Prada has spoken on the commodification of interiors and design lingo.

Pope Francis’s Vatican-embellished Leica is up for sale at Leitz’s Photographica Auction.