Over-indexed on the Christmas party action? Look no further than Exhibitionary's picks for four current art exhibits sure to make you forget all about eggnog and mistletoe. But lest you fall too much out of the holiday spirit, we've also included four places to grab a drink or a fantastic meal within spitting distance of the galleries. No grinches here. 

LONDON

Chris Burden at Gagosian
At Gagosian, a pristine Porsche 914 sports car is suspended in equilibrium with a meteorite. Musing on limitations and durability, Chris Burden has often questioned issues of power and humanity.  A perfect opportunity to check out his monumental sculptures.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1667, this labyrinthine pub has served pints across the lifetimes of 15 different monarchs. Notable patrons have included Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Expect beer from one of London's finest—and cheapest—breweries, Samuel Smith, and traditional English pub-style grub.


MIAMI

Larry Bell at ICA 
A vital representation of West Coast minimalism, Larry Bell's sculptures play with perception and light. "Larry Bell: Time Machines" is a comprehensive survey of his work, ranging from his early Cube series to rarely-seen architectural installations. On view at ICA Miami.

Churchill's Pub
You could chop off four fingers and still count the underground live music clubs worth mentioning in the Sunshine State on one hand. Opened in 1979 and barely altered since, this is the place that gave Marilyn Manson and plenty more their first start. Pass the Churchill painting to find a large room for bands with a well-stocked bar and a couple of pool tables. And don’t miss the backyard.


NEW YORK

Nina Beier at Metro Pictures
Pastel colored sinks are plugged with hand-rolled cigars in Beier's new sculpture show "Baby" at Metro Pictures. Nina Beier combines serially produced items with handmade objects and invites the viewer to contemplate their inscribed meanings, giving objects different identities – depending on how you look at them. Don't miss it, if you are in New York.

Milk Bar
Decadent treats abound at chef Christina Tosi's sugar meccas. Renowned for her signature creations like the crack pie and compost cookie, your best bet is to order a strong cup of anything and one of those for a guaranteed pick-me-up.


DÜSSELDORF

Cao Fei at K21 
Moving through the smog of urban reality and contemporary fantasy, the first major solo exhibition of Cao Fei in Germany addresses themes of alienation, longing, and transformation in the realm of societal change in modern-day China. Fei explores the antagonism between tradition and modernity, observes (g)local phenomena and depicts questionable utopias. 

Robert's Bistro
This bustling eatery is a local standby, serving up authentic French fare in a no-frills interior that should serve as proof enough—the focus is on the food. Pop in for a digestif at the adjoining Bar du Bistro.

In cooperation with LOST iN – A city guide curated by local legends