The Carnegie International is a Once Every Four Year Treat

The Carnegie International Returns in 2026

The Carnegie International was started by Andrew Carnegie in 1896 and began as an annual painting expo showcasing artists from around the world. Since then, the event has evolved into a once-every-four-year special (loosely every four years, we should note), and in 2026, it's back for its 59th showcase!

2026's theme for the Carnegie International is If The Word We, and looks at the first-person plural not as much as a fixed notion, but rather an open and changing concept. This overlaps perfectly with international art, as it invites guests to enjoy the shared experience of artists from around the world.

The art, inspiration, and mediums may be different, but they come together for a broad look at contemporary life in art.

One of my favorite things about the Carnegie International is that it is like taking a trip around the world, with contemporary art represented from all corners of the globe, from native land in the USA to Inuit territory, Sapmi, China, Ghana, Brazil, Canada, and everywhere in between.

A collection of our favorite artists at this year's Carnegie International includes:

• Zhao Yao, China – A collection of works that looks like paint on canvas but is intricately laid out eggshells
• Hans Ragnar Mathisen, Sapmi (Norway) – A collection of watercolor artwork from Sapmi in northern Scandinavia
• Cinthia Marcelle, Brazil – A large immersive piece in the Hall of Sculpture that ties the events of Jan 6th, 2021, in the USA and Jan 8th, 2023, in Brazil
• Walter Scott, Canada – A comic book style art installation in the upper level of the Hall of Sculpture
• …and many more (You will have to visit for yourself to see the rest!)

Perhaps one of the best parts about the Carnegie International is that it is not a full takeover of the Carnegie Museum of Art, either. Instead, the pieces for the International are displayed throughout the museum alongside some of the more permanent collection. As such, you may be walking through the museum and see your favorites from Warhol, Monet, and more before turning the corner and seeing a gallery of new, contemporary art! (And, as always, exploring the Carnegie Museum of Natural History- still included on the same entry ticket.)

But that's not all! The Carnegie International expands far beyond just the Carnegie Museum of Art. During the event, be sure to check out additional works being presented at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Mattress Factory, the Thelma Lovette YMCA, and more. The Carnegie International really is all over the city this year!

So if you're looking for a different kind of art experience, be sure to visit the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland for the Carnegie International, running through January 3rd, 2027.

The Carnegie Museum of Art is located at 4400 Forbes Avenue in Oakland. The Carnegie International is open to be seen on a regular admission ticket to the museum. We were guests of the museum for a media preview at the start of the exhibition.