Maurizio Cattelan, photo by Alberto Zanetti.
The Renaissance Society is thrilled to announce that artist Maurizio Cattelan will conceive and orchestrate RenBen 2026, taking place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, during Chicago’s EXPO Art Week.
Known for his provocative and darkly humorous approach to contemporary art, Cattelan has spent four decades creating works that spark conversation, to say the least. From his infamous solid gold...
The Renaissance Society is pleased to announce that Executive Director and Chief Curator, Myriam Ben Salah, has been selected by the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (TIFF) to serve as curator of the 66th edition’s special tribute program, titled Plot Twist Beyond Sixth Sense, set to take place October 30 through November 9, 2025.
The Ren’s Student Committee is an active group of both undergraduate and graduate students who are enthusiastic about contemporary art and excited to engage closely with the Ren and its program. Students in all fields of study, from any academic institution in the Chicago area, are encouraged to apply.
Committee activities begin with a kick-off event on Thursday, October 16 and extend through...
CHICAGO, IL - We are thrilled to announce that the Renaissance Society has received a Teiger Foundation grant supporting three years of programming. We are among 85 curators and 54 institutions across the United States to receive a grant as part of the Foundation’s Call for Proposals.
The grant program advances innovative curatorial practice in contemporary art, supporting projects beyond...
Still from RenBen 2022, Conceived by Piero Golia. Photograph by Adriana Glaviano.
The Renaissance Society is currently closed to the public. We will reopen on Saturday, September 13th with a solo exhibition by Diego Marcon.
Please join us August 7th and 8th for the Ren Editions Pop-Up, hosted in collaboration with EarlyWork.
In the meantime, view recent artist talks, lectures, and performances available online, and explore recent books, editions, and merch.
We look...
The Renaissance Society will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observation of Independence Day.
Ximena Garrido-Lecca: Germinations is on view until July 13th.
The Renaissance Society will be closed Thursday, June 19th, in observation of Juneteenth.
Ximena Garrido-Lecca: Germination is on view until July 13th.
Ximena Garrido-Lecca: Germinations, installation view, 2025. Photo by Bob.
The Renaissance Society will be closed on Friday, June 6th and open by appointment only on Saturday, June 7th, while Convocation takes place on campus. Regular hours resume Sunday, June 8th.
Congratulations to all of the graduates!
Ximena Garrido-Lecca: Germinations is on view until July 13th.
Acclaimed artist Yto Barrada, selected to represent France at the 2026 Venice Biennale, has chosen Myriam Ben Salah, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Renaissance Society in Chicago, to curate the French Pavilion.
The Renaissance Society Receives $100,000 Grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
Chicago, IL — The Renaissance Society is honored to announce that it has received a $100,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. This two-year grant will support the Renaissance Society’s ambitious exhibitions and associated programs, reinforcing its mission to foster...
