NYCxDESIGN Festival 2025

Details

NYCxDESIGN Festival returns in 2025 - bringing together thousands of global design leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts for a week-long celebration of creativity, community, and inspiration. Taking place May 15–21, New York City will be transformed into a vibrant hub of design, featuring a dynamic lineup of exciting events, talks, exhibits, and gatherings. This year’s unifying theme ‘Design is for Everyone’ exemplifies NYCxDESIGN’s commitment to inclusivity and the power of design to create a positive impact for all.

With an exciting schedule of programming across all five boroughs, NYCxDESIGN will showcase and amplify the city’s creative energy. The full program will be easily accessible and navigable in the new dynamic NYCxDESIGN app available in the App Store and Google Play.

Key events -
➔ May 10–19 – Lexus Design Pavilion at Hudson Yards’ Public Square and Gardens
➔ May 15 – NYCxDESIGN Festival Opening Night Party at The Refinery at Domino
➔ May 15–21 – NYCxDESIGN xSouvenir Exhibition partnered with Cool Hunting, sponsored by Kikkerland Design, and exhibit designed by Boym Partners
➔ May 15 – NYCxDESIGN Keynote presented by Coca-Cola
➔ May 16 – NYCxDESIGN Keynote presented by IBM
➔ May 20 – NYCxDESIGN Keynote on Wellness x Design with wellness pioneer Life Time
➔ May 17–19 – Shelter by Afternoon Light at the Starrett-Lehigh Building
➔ May 18–20 – International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and WANTED at The Javits Convention Center
➔ May 19 – NYCxDESIGN Awards Ceremony presented by Interior Design at Penn One
➔ May 21 – Dumbo Festival Closing Party
➔ And a vast array of 280+ events in diverse design disciplines across the boroughs

Highlights -
Design Pavilion
Presenting an immersive, interactive experience in partnership with Lexus - "Lexus Ambiance" will offer visitors a glimpse into the future of design and interactivity.

NYCxDESIGN xSouvenir
The NYCxDESIGN xSouvenir exhibition will feature works from 73 artists - including Joey Zeledon, Karim Rashid, and David Weeks - the 2025 showcase will present unique and creative collectible pieces directly inspired by New York City.

NYCxDESIGN Keynotes
The 2025 NYCxDESIGN Keynote Series will deliver another inspiring lineup of engaging panelists and top brands from around the world. This year’s program will explore the intersection of design with photography, AI, and wellness.

District and Neighborhood Spotlights
Creativity will course through communities across all five boroughs, uniting neighborhoods for a week brimming with vibrant art and design.
In Harlem, NYCxDESIGN and The Central Park Conservancy have partnered to offer Festival-goers a first look at the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer with a special tour.
The NoMad Design District will be buzzing with a curated mix of events celebrating the neighborhood’s vibrant creative spirit.
Stretching across Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill, Atlantic Avenue will welcome visitors on May 17 to explore a dynamic collection of small, independently owned Brooklyn-based design businesses.
In SoHo on May 17, the SoHo Design District will host a district-wide Open House, featuring new introductions from Scavolini, Salvatori, Foscarini, Safavieh, Thuma, and more.
On the Upper East Side, the third annual Madison Avenue Design Week’s dates will match the Festival’s, and boast exhibitions, talks, bespoke collection viewings, and a curated Spring Gallery Walk on May 17 showcasing nearly sixty galleries.
Dumbo x Design’s inaugural celebration will occur on May 21, shining a spotlight on more than 150 design and architecture companies and featuring programming including grand openings, studio visits, panels, book signings, a walking tour of indie design shops, an epic NYCxDESIGN closing party, and stunning evening art projections on the Manhattan Bridge.