New York City is set to transform into a global epicenter of creativity as NYCxDESIGN Festival 2025 takes over from May 15–21, celebrating the unifying theme Design is for Everyone. This year’s edition reaffirms the Festival’s commitment to inclusivity, showcasing how design can drive positive change across communities. With a dynamic lineup of exhibitions, talks, installations, and parties, the event promises to be a must-attend for design enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious minds alike.
For the first time in years, the Design Pavilion—New York’s premier public design exhibition—aligns with NYCxDESIGN, offering an immersive, interactive experience in partnership with Lexus. Titled Lexus Ambiance, the installation merges cutting-edge automotive design with the spectral artistry of Australian artist Nick Thomm, creating a sensory journey at Hudson Yards Public Square & Gardens(May 10–19). Visitors can also explore two of Lexus’ latest vehicles, embodying the brand’s bold innovation.
Another standout is the return of the NYCxDESIGN xSouvenir exhibition, featuring 73 artists—including Karim Rashid, David Weeks, and Joey Zeledon—who have crafted unique, NYC-inspired collectibles. Hosted at the Oculus WTC’s South Concourse, the showcase, designed by Boym Partners, offers limited-edition pieces available for purchase. Don’t miss the VIP Kickoff (May 15) and Drinks with the Designers (May 17) for an exclusive look.
Kicking off the festivities is the NYCxDESIGN Opening Night Party at The Refinery at Domino, where sweeping Manhattan views and bites from Pinch Food Design set the tone for the week. Meanwhile, the NYCxDESIGN Keynotes dive into pressing topics, from Coca-Cola’s design legacy (May 15) to AI’s role in design (May 16, hosted by IBM) and wellness-driven spaces (May 20, featuring Life Time’s Nic Berglund).
Italian design takes center stage with Poltrona Frau’s US debut of the Five Seasons Collection(May 16), including the Blisscape Sofa by Ludovica Serafini + Roberto Palomba, while Rimadesio unveils its Modernity Flow collection—featuring its first-ever chairs—at its Madison Avenue flagship. TM Italia also joins the fray, opening its first NYC flagship in Flatiron (May 16), showcasing bespoke Italian craftsmanship.
For those drawn to sustainable innovation, Shelter (May 17–19) presents the OLO Table by Joe Doucet x The Good Plastic Company, a striking example of circular design made from 100% recycled plastic. Meanwhile, ICFF (May 18–20) at the Javits Center spotlights Infinity Drain’s latest architectural solutions and thought-provoking panels, including How Sensory Design Shapes Inclusive Spaces (May 18) and ASID’s 2025 Trends Outlook (May 19).
The week culminates with the NYCxDESIGN Awards (May 19), honoring the city’s most visionary projects, and the Scandinavian Design Embassy’s NYC debut, featuring brands like Vestre, Made by Choice, and Bolon. Finally, the Festival’s closing party, DUMBOxDesign (May 21), offers a lively send-off at Superfine in Brooklyn.
With so much to explore, NYCxDESIGN 2025 proves once again why New York remains the world’s design capital. For the full schedule, download the NYCxDESIGN app (iOS & Android) or visit nycxdesign.org.