Celebrating equine majesty, adaptability

Fiberglass horses, from among seven originally created for the Saratoga County Arts Council, stand on the steps of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. (Dennis Finnin/AMNH)

THROUGH JAN. 4
NEW YORK
"The Horse": The most magnificent of quadrupeds, horses have been galloping over the Earth's surface for some 50 million years. There are an estimated 58 million of them alive today, comprising 200 breeds from stout Clydesdales to kid-sized Shetland ponies. Man first domesticated horses 6,000 years ago. Since then, they have plowed, fought, carried, raced, been ridden, and, to a unique degree in the animal kingdom, generally combined grace, strength, and utility. This exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History looks at the evolution of horses, how they are trained and taught, how the relationship between horses and humans has shaped both species, and the creatures' important role in such varied aspects of human life as warfare, agriculture, transportation, trade, sports, and spirituality. Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, amnh.org.

JULY 4-19
MONTREUX, SWITZERLAND

Montreux Jazz Festival: Now in its 42d year, Montreux is one of Europe's biggest and most eclectic jazz festivals. Highlighting the program will be a July 14 celebration of Quincy Jones's 75th birthday earlier this year. More than 20 performers will be on hand to honor the legendary composer-arranger, who is scheduled to be in attendance. 011-41-900-800-800, montreuxjazz.com.

THROUGH JULY 27
PHOENIX

"Human Nature: The Photographs of Barbara Bosworth": The Phoenix Art Museum presents a sampling of nearly two decades' of work - more than 40 images in all - by the noted nature photographer, who teaches at Massachusetts College of Art + Design. 1625 North Central Ave., 602-257-1222, phxart.org.

THROUGH SEPT. 28
MONTREAL

"Yves Saint Laurent": Is there a more famous set of initials in haute couture than YSL? The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is showing this first retrospective devoted to the designs of the fashion legend, who died June 1 at 71. 1379 Sherbrooke Street Pavilion, 514-285-2000, mmfa.qc.ca/en.

THROUGH JAN. 11
FLORENCE

"Science and the Medici": The fabled Florentine family were patrons of Renaissance science as well as the arts. This exhibition brings together manuscripts, books, maps, and various period scientific instruments that are themselves works of art. Piazza Pitti 1, 011-39-055-2388-709, firenzemusei.it/00_english/argenti.

THROUGH MARCH 1
LONDON

"For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond": To mark the centenary of the birth of the man behind James Bond - that dashing, debonair, and debauched British secret agent - the Imperial War Museum has mounted this exhibition on the life and works of Ian Fleming. Among the many items on display are letters from Fleming, the desk and chair from his Jamaican study, and props and costumes from Bond movies. Lambeth Road, 011-44-20-7416-5320, london.iwm.org.uk.

PLAN AHEAD
AUG. 27-Sept. 6

Venice International Film Festival: Kicking off this year's festival will be Joel and Ethan Coen's "Burn After Reading," their first film since the Academy Award-winning "No Country for Old Men." The prestigious Golden Lion for lifetime achievement in film will go to Italian director Ermanno Olmi. 011-39-041-521-8861, labiennale.org/en/cinema.

MARK FEENEY

Events sometimes are canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; call or check online to confirm. Mark Feeney can be reached at mfeeney@globe.com.