Design Calendar 2017: Where to Go and What to See This Year
Check out some of this year’s best design events, tours and exhibitions around the globe
Whether you want to celebrate the 150th birthday of an architectural legend, tour the top decorator showcase houses for inspiration or take in the latest in contemporary furniture design, there’s plenty to keep you busy this year. Here are some of the top design-related events, tours and exhibitions around the globe in 2017.
February
Modernism Week
What: Modern home tours and design exhibition
Where: Palm Springs, California
When: Feb. 16-26
Cost: Tours range from $35 to $85
Midcentury lovers regularly flock to the California desert for this annual celebration of modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. Modernism Week features more than 250 events including double-decker bus tours of local architecture, modern garden tours, an exhibition of vintage travel trailers and more. More info
Antiques & Garden Show Nashville
What: Show featuring more than 150 antiques, art and horticultural dealers
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
When: Feb. 3-5
Cost: $25
Austin Modern Home Tour
What: Tour highlighting a dozen modern homes designed by local architects
Where: Austin, Texas
When: Feb. 25
Cost: $40
Modernism Week
What: Modern home tours and design exhibition
Where: Palm Springs, California
When: Feb. 16-26
Cost: Tours range from $35 to $85
Midcentury lovers regularly flock to the California desert for this annual celebration of modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. Modernism Week features more than 250 events including double-decker bus tours of local architecture, modern garden tours, an exhibition of vintage travel trailers and more. More info
Antiques & Garden Show Nashville
What: Show featuring more than 150 antiques, art and horticultural dealers
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
When: Feb. 3-5
Cost: $25
Austin Modern Home Tour
What: Tour highlighting a dozen modern homes designed by local architects
Where: Austin, Texas
When: Feb. 25
Cost: $40
March
Singapore Design Week
What: Furniture fair plus design events
Where: Singapore Expo and F1 Pit Building, Singapore
When: March 3-12
Cost: Varies
The region’s most-visited furniture fair, the International Furniture Fair Singapore is a trade-only fair that anchors Singapore Design Week (it usually opens to the public on its last day). Singaplural is the open-to-the-public, week-long festival that celebrates all things design.
Design Shanghai
What: Antiques fair
Where: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, China
When: March 8-11
Cost: 220 yuan (about $32)
DesignMarch
What: Iceland’s most important annual design festival covering architecture, furniture and product design
Where: Reykjavík, Iceland
When: March 23-26
Cost: Free
Boston Design Week
What: A mix of furniture, art and architecture exhibits to promote the Boston design community
Where: Boston Design Center
When: March 29 through April 9
Cost: Free
Singapore Design Week
What: Furniture fair plus design events
Where: Singapore Expo and F1 Pit Building, Singapore
When: March 3-12
Cost: Varies
The region’s most-visited furniture fair, the International Furniture Fair Singapore is a trade-only fair that anchors Singapore Design Week (it usually opens to the public on its last day). Singaplural is the open-to-the-public, week-long festival that celebrates all things design.
Design Shanghai
What: Antiques fair
Where: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, China
When: March 8-11
Cost: 220 yuan (about $32)
DesignMarch
What: Iceland’s most important annual design festival covering architecture, furniture and product design
Where: Reykjavík, Iceland
When: March 23-26
Cost: Free
Boston Design Week
What: A mix of furniture, art and architecture exhibits to promote the Boston design community
Where: Boston Design Center
When: March 29 through April 9
Cost: Free
April
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
What: Decorators’ show house
Where: San Francisco
When: April 29 through May 20
Cost: $35
The San Francisco Decorators Showcase is a beloved design tradition that allows some of the region’s top interior designers to work their creative magic in decorating rooms that the public can tour.
Here, a study designed by Stephan Jones for the 2016 show house features a rich wallcovering from Kneedler-Fauchère and a sectional sofa upholstered in hand-printed linen. More info
Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens
What: An inaugural show house and gardens featuring the region’s leading design industry talents
Where: Atlanta
When: April 20 through May 14
Cost: $18
Pasadena Showcase House of Design
What: Founded in 1948, this is one of the oldest, largest and most successful house and garden tours in the nation
Where: Pasadena, California
When: April 23 through May 21
Cost: $45
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
What: Decorators’ show house
Where: San Francisco
When: April 29 through May 20
Cost: $35
The San Francisco Decorators Showcase is a beloved design tradition that allows some of the region’s top interior designers to work their creative magic in decorating rooms that the public can tour.
Here, a study designed by Stephan Jones for the 2016 show house features a rich wallcovering from Kneedler-Fauchère and a sectional sofa upholstered in hand-printed linen. More info
Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens
What: An inaugural show house and gardens featuring the region’s leading design industry talents
Where: Atlanta
When: April 20 through May 14
Cost: $18
Pasadena Showcase House of Design
What: Founded in 1948, this is one of the oldest, largest and most successful house and garden tours in the nation
Where: Pasadena, California
When: April 23 through May 21
Cost: $45
May
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
What: Flower and garden design show
Where: London
When: May 23-27
Cost: 63 pounds (about $83)
The Royal Horticultural Society show has been held at the Chelsea site in London for more than a century. Showcasing Britain’s best garden design talent, it runs for five days and displays an abundance of innovation in gardens ranging from wild and naturalistic to cutting-edge.
The garden exhibit seen here, from the 2015 show, earned landscape designer Adam Frost a Chelsea gold medal. More info
Kips Bay Decorator Show House
What: Annual show house since 1973 that has become renowned for sparking global interior design trends
Where: New York City
When: May 12 through June 9
Cost: $35
ICFF
What: North America’s largest showcase for contemporary design, with more than 750 exhibitors from around the world.
Where: New York City
When: May 21-24
Cost: $60
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
What: Flower and garden design show
Where: London
When: May 23-27
Cost: 63 pounds (about $83)
The Royal Horticultural Society show has been held at the Chelsea site in London for more than a century. Showcasing Britain’s best garden design talent, it runs for five days and displays an abundance of innovation in gardens ranging from wild and naturalistic to cutting-edge.
The garden exhibit seen here, from the 2015 show, earned landscape designer Adam Frost a Chelsea gold medal. More info
Kips Bay Decorator Show House
What: Annual show house since 1973 that has become renowned for sparking global interior design trends
Where: New York City
When: May 12 through June 9
Cost: $35
ICFF
What: North America’s largest showcase for contemporary design, with more than 750 exhibitors from around the world.
Where: New York City
When: May 21-24
Cost: $60
June
Frank Lloyd Wright at 150: Unpacking the Archive
What: Museum exhibition
Where: Museum of Modern Art, New York City
When: June 12 through October 1
Cost: $25
Marking the 150th anniversary of the American architect’s birth on June 8, 1867, the MoMA presents a major exhibition of about 450 works made in the 1890s through the 1950s, including architectural drawings, models, building fragments, films, furniture, tableware, textiles, paintings, photographs and scrapbooks, including a number of works that have rarely or never been publicly exhibited.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, seen here, was designed in the early 1930s and is considered one of his most influential residential designs. More info
SF Design Week
What: An opportunity to experience works by the region’s design talents, from tech inventions to architecture
Where: San Francisco
When: June 14-20
Cost: Free
Dwell on Design
What: Modern interior exhibits and continuing education classes for design professionals
Where: Los Angeles
When: June 23-25
Cost: Varies
Frank Lloyd Wright at 150: Unpacking the Archive
What: Museum exhibition
Where: Museum of Modern Art, New York City
When: June 12 through October 1
Cost: $25
Marking the 150th anniversary of the American architect’s birth on June 8, 1867, the MoMA presents a major exhibition of about 450 works made in the 1890s through the 1950s, including architectural drawings, models, building fragments, films, furniture, tableware, textiles, paintings, photographs and scrapbooks, including a number of works that have rarely or never been publicly exhibited.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, seen here, was designed in the early 1930s and is considered one of his most influential residential designs. More info
SF Design Week
What: An opportunity to experience works by the region’s design talents, from tech inventions to architecture
Where: San Francisco
When: June 14-20
Cost: Free
Dwell on Design
What: Modern interior exhibits and continuing education classes for design professionals
Where: Los Angeles
When: June 23-25
Cost: Varies
July
AIFF: Australian International Furniture Fair
What: Furniture fair
Where: Melbourne, Australia
When: July 20-23
Cost: Free
Australia’s top interior design event puts a spotlight on the hottest designs from Down Under. There’s a bevy of shops to explore in Melbourne’s design district. The Berkelouw Bookshop seen here, was built in 1885 and is a fine example of the neighbourhood’s abundant Victorian buildings. The shop has one of the most comprehensive collections of interior design and architectural books in Melbourne. More info
International Landscape Design Conference
What: Conference dedicated to advancing the profession of landscape design
Where: Boston
When: July 13-17
Cost: Free to the trade
Artscape
What: America’s largest free arts festival, attracting more than 350,000 attendees over three days
Where: Baltimore
When: July 21-23
Cost: Free
AIFF: Australian International Furniture Fair
What: Furniture fair
Where: Melbourne, Australia
When: July 20-23
Cost: Free
Australia’s top interior design event puts a spotlight on the hottest designs from Down Under. There’s a bevy of shops to explore in Melbourne’s design district. The Berkelouw Bookshop seen here, was built in 1885 and is a fine example of the neighbourhood’s abundant Victorian buildings. The shop has one of the most comprehensive collections of interior design and architectural books in Melbourne. More info
International Landscape Design Conference
What: Conference dedicated to advancing the profession of landscape design
Where: Boston
When: July 13-17
Cost: Free to the trade
Artscape
What: America’s largest free arts festival, attracting more than 350,000 attendees over three days
Where: Baltimore
When: July 21-23
Cost: Free
August
São Paulo Design Weekend
What: Design festival
Where: São Paulo
When: Aug. 9-13
Cost: Free
In a Brazilian city known for its rich history of innovative architecture and furniture design, this four-day “weekend” includes more than 120 design-related events and installations scattered throughout the city. Even some streets and stairways in São Paulo have been spruced up by artists for the event. More info
Seattle Art Fair
What: More than 80 top local galleries displaying prized pieces from their collections
Where: Seattle
When: Aug. 3-6
Cost: $20
The Festival of Quilts
What: Europe’s largest quilting show, with more than 700 competition quilts on display
Where: Birmingham, England
When: Aug. 10-13
Cost: 16.50 British pounds (about $21)
São Paulo Design Weekend
What: Design festival
Where: São Paulo
When: Aug. 9-13
Cost: Free
In a Brazilian city known for its rich history of innovative architecture and furniture design, this four-day “weekend” includes more than 120 design-related events and installations scattered throughout the city. Even some streets and stairways in São Paulo have been spruced up by artists for the event. More info
Seattle Art Fair
What: More than 80 top local galleries displaying prized pieces from their collections
Where: Seattle
When: Aug. 3-6
Cost: $20
The Festival of Quilts
What: Europe’s largest quilting show, with more than 700 competition quilts on display
Where: Birmingham, England
When: Aug. 10-13
Cost: 16.50 British pounds (about $21)
September
London Design Festival
What: Museum exhibition
Where: London
When: Sept. 16-24
Cost: Varies
This annual design event is made up of over 400 events and exhibitions staged by firms, designers and architects from across the design spectrum. A highlight from last year’s festival was architect Alison Brooks’ Smile, pictured here. This 110-foot-long and 10-foot-high upside-down arc served as a visitor pavilion in the heart of London’s design district. More info
Paris Design Week
What: A citywide design fair showcasing the best in contemporary home design, fashion, art and food
Where: Paris
When: Sept. 8-16
Cost: Free
Helsinki Design Week
What: The largest design festival in the Nordic countries, presenting the latest trends in fashion, architecture and urban culture
Where: Helsinki
When: Sept. 7-17
Cost: Free
London Design Festival
What: Museum exhibition
Where: London
When: Sept. 16-24
Cost: Varies
This annual design event is made up of over 400 events and exhibitions staged by firms, designers and architects from across the design spectrum. A highlight from last year’s festival was architect Alison Brooks’ Smile, pictured here. This 110-foot-long and 10-foot-high upside-down arc served as a visitor pavilion in the heart of London’s design district. More info
Paris Design Week
What: A citywide design fair showcasing the best in contemporary home design, fashion, art and food
Where: Paris
When: Sept. 8-16
Cost: Free
Helsinki Design Week
What: The largest design festival in the Nordic countries, presenting the latest trends in fashion, architecture and urban culture
Where: Helsinki
When: Sept. 7-17
Cost: Free
October
Archifest / ArchXpo
What: Design exhibition and trade fair
Where: Marina Bay Sands for ArchXpo; island-wide in Singapore for Archifest
When: Oct. 4-6 for ArchXpo; to be announced for Archifest
Cost: Varies
The annual weeks-long festival includes ArchXpo, an international exhibition of architecture and the built environment for professionals. Archifest is open to the design-loving public, and features signature event Architours, among others. More info
AIA Austin Homes Tour
What: Home tour
Where: Austin, Texas
When: Oct. 15-16
Cost: $40
Design Philadelphia
What: A 10-day festival highlighting the reemergence of Philadelphia as a city shaped by design, art and technology
Where: Philadelphia
When: Oct. 6-16
Cost: Free
WestEdge Design Fair
What: An event in its fourth year focusing on modern design in an environment designed to engage, entertain and inspire
Where: Santa Monica, California
When: Oct. 19-22
Cost: Varies
Archifest / ArchXpo
What: Design exhibition and trade fair
Where: Marina Bay Sands for ArchXpo; island-wide in Singapore for Archifest
When: Oct. 4-6 for ArchXpo; to be announced for Archifest
Cost: Varies
The annual weeks-long festival includes ArchXpo, an international exhibition of architecture and the built environment for professionals. Archifest is open to the design-loving public, and features signature event Architours, among others. More info
AIA Austin Homes Tour
What: Home tour
Where: Austin, Texas
When: Oct. 15-16
Cost: $40
Design Philadelphia
What: A 10-day festival highlighting the reemergence of Philadelphia as a city shaped by design, art and technology
Where: Philadelphia
When: Oct. 6-16
Cost: Free
WestEdge Design Fair
What: An event in its fourth year focusing on modern design in an environment designed to engage, entertain and inspire
Where: Santa Monica, California
When: Oct. 19-22
Cost: Varies
November
The Salon Art + Design
What: Design exhibition
Where: Park Avenue Armory, New York City
When: Nov. 9-13
Cost: $25
Every year more than 50 of the world’s finest galleries and boutiques display paintings, sculpture and furniture in the Park Avenue Armory’s 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall, modeled after 19th-century European train stations.
A star of last year’s show was the ceramic, stainless steel and enamel wire sculpture seen here, called Fox & Cubs, created by Barnaby Bradford and exhibited by London’s David Gill Gallery. More info
Artissima
What: Italy’s most important contemporary art fair, devoted to emerging artists and rediscovering pioneers of art
Where: Turin, Italy
When: Nov. 5-7
Cost: Varies
BDNY: Boutique Design New York
What: Trade show for boutique hotel and restaurant design offering home interior inspiration
Where: New York City
When: Nov. 12-13
Cost: Free to the trade
The Salon Art + Design
What: Design exhibition
Where: Park Avenue Armory, New York City
When: Nov. 9-13
Cost: $25
Every year more than 50 of the world’s finest galleries and boutiques display paintings, sculpture and furniture in the Park Avenue Armory’s 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall, modeled after 19th-century European train stations.
A star of last year’s show was the ceramic, stainless steel and enamel wire sculpture seen here, called Fox & Cubs, created by Barnaby Bradford and exhibited by London’s David Gill Gallery. More info
Artissima
What: Italy’s most important contemporary art fair, devoted to emerging artists and rediscovering pioneers of art
Where: Turin, Italy
When: Nov. 5-7
Cost: Varies
BDNY: Boutique Design New York
What: Trade show for boutique hotel and restaurant design offering home interior inspiration
Where: New York City
When: Nov. 12-13
Cost: Free to the trade
December
The Magic of Christmas
What: Garden tour
Where: The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
When: Dec. 1 through Jan. 3, 2018
Cost: $26 Canadian (about $20)
For the month of December in 2017 and a few days into 2018, one of Canada’s most prized public gardens transforms into a holiday winter wonderland. Here, the park’s famed Sunken Garden is aglow in all of its holiday glory. Christmas lights, wreaths, roving carolers, ice skating and holiday treats are among the sights, sounds and activities to take in. More info
Tempe Festival of the Arts
What: More than 400 booths covering 16 categories, ranging from wood to photography to ceramics and more
Where: Tempe, Arizona
When: Dec. 1-3
Cost: Free
Design Miami
What: Presentations by the world’s top galleries of museum-quality 21st-century furniture, lighting and objets d’art
Where: Miami
When: Dec. 1-4
Cost: $30
More: Browse more World of Design stories
The Magic of Christmas
What: Garden tour
Where: The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
When: Dec. 1 through Jan. 3, 2018
Cost: $26 Canadian (about $20)
For the month of December in 2017 and a few days into 2018, one of Canada’s most prized public gardens transforms into a holiday winter wonderland. Here, the park’s famed Sunken Garden is aglow in all of its holiday glory. Christmas lights, wreaths, roving carolers, ice skating and holiday treats are among the sights, sounds and activities to take in. More info
Tempe Festival of the Arts
What: More than 400 booths covering 16 categories, ranging from wood to photography to ceramics and more
Where: Tempe, Arizona
When: Dec. 1-3
Cost: Free
Design Miami
What: Presentations by the world’s top galleries of museum-quality 21st-century furniture, lighting and objets d’art
Where: Miami
When: Dec. 1-4
Cost: $30
More: Browse more World of Design stories
Winter Antiques Show
What: Antiques fair
Where: Park Avenue Armory, New York City
When: Jan. 20-29
Cost: $25
Whether it’s antique furniture, decorative accents or classical art, every object exhibited at the Winter Antiques Show is vetted for authenticity, date and condition by a committee of 160 experts. The hand-coloured engraving by John James Audobon seen here is among the many items for sale. More info
KBIS: The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show
What: The world’s premier kitchen and bath industry show
Where: Orlando, Florida
When: Jan. 10-12
Cost: Varies
IMM Cologne
What: The first major international interior design show of the year
Where: Cologne, Germany
When: Jan. 20-29
Cost: 56 euros (about $58)