The World of Music Video

Everyone knows about Michael Jackson’s legendary zombie dance moves in Thriller and the iconic kaleidoscope of Queen’s four band members in Bohemian Rhapsody. But what is it about these music videos that makes them such classics? The World of Music Video will be on display at Forum Groningen from Saturday, 14 December 2024 to Sunday, 18 May 2025. This international exhibit shows you your favorite music videos through a new lens, but also features famous and less well-known masterpieces from across the globe.

Using music videos from 25 countries, The World of Music takes you on a journey through pop music from 1975 to the present day. You’ll see work from big artists like Billie Eilish, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, the Pet Shop Boys, Queen, and U2 as well as South Africa’s Die Antwoord and South Korea’s Psy.

A Groundbreaking Art Form
The music video, originally intended to be promotional material, has developed into a versatile, boundary-busting art form over the past 50 years. In order to stand out, you have to be unique, and that’s precisely where the music video derives its strength from. It’s a creative melting pot that not only inspires musicians and filmmakers, but also appeals to photographers, artists, choreographers, and designers. The music video is an unparallelled medium for raising awareness about the world’s biggest issues among a large audience — from climate change to discrimination — while also establishing and cementing a musician’s image and popularity. It all started on television, but now it’s primarily a digital endeavor. Whether it’s on TV or PC, the music video is still in demand. 

Visitors rate the exhibition an impressive 8.2.

The World of Music Video was previously on view at the cultural center Weltkulturerbe Völklinger Hütte in Germany.