UNESCO Study Maps 2,024 Art Centers Worldwide, Revealing Shift Toward Asia and Africa
A research project led by Noam Alon, associated with the UNESCO Chair for the Study of Museum Diversity and its Evolution, has identified 2,024 art centers across 166 nations that showcased living artists in 2025. Europe dominates with 56% of these centers, while Asia and North America follow with 14% and 13%, respectively. Germany is home to 360 centers (18%), France has 194 (9.5%), and the U.S. features 167 (8%). The inaugural center, Kunstverein in Nuremberg, was established in 1792, and 80% of the centers were founded post-1980, with 46% emerging since 2000. Public funding supports 70% of these centers, particularly those in the Global South, which often emphasize community roles and local digital engagement. The findings will be available on the UNESCO website in September 2026.
Key facts
- Noam Alon conducted a global survey of art centers under the UNESCO Chair for the Study of Museum Diversity and its Evolution.
- The report will be published on the UNESCO website at the end of September 2026.
- 2,024 art centers were identified across 166 countries, having organized at least one exhibition of living artists in 2025.
- Europe accounts for 56% of art centers, Asia 14%, North America 13%, Africa 7.4%, South America 6%, and Oceania 1%.
- Germany has 360 art centers (18% of total), France 194 (9.5%), and the United States 167 (8%).
- The oldest art center is the Kunstverein in Nuremberg, founded in 1792.
- 80% of art centers were created after 1980, and 46% since 2000.
- Asia and Africa show the most dynamic growth in creating new art centers.
- 70% of art centers receive at least one public funding source.
- The study used a panel of 300 structures analyzed according to about 25 comparative criteria, identifying nearly 270 different appellations for art centers.
- In the Global South, art centers often serve broader community functions beyond exhibitions.
- Ghana has seven art centers, often funded by international foundations with economic interests in the country.
Entities
Institutions
- UNESCO
- Kunstverein Nuremberg
- Contemporary Art Centre Vilnius
- Tomie Ohtake Institute
- Serpentine Galleries
Locations
- Germany
- France
- United States
- Europe
- Asia
- North America
- Africa
- South America
- Oceania
- Nuremberg
- Vilnius
- Lithuania
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- London
- United Kingdom
- Ghana