Our top three exhibitions this week: 125 years since Van Gogh died and more

From a last chance to see acclaimed sculptor Alberto Giacometti to a celebration of the work and life of Vincent Van Gogh, here are our exhibition picks this week.

Chinese Girls in Jinrikisha, a postcard from the early 20th century. Courtesy Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M Sackler Gallery Archives

Last chance: Giacometti sculptures in context

Alberto Giacometti is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century and his works regularly sell for record sums. The Swiss artist focused on representational depictions of human figures characterised by striking changes in proportions. Many of these works have a strong three-dimensional effect. So take your last chance to see this incredible Vienna exhibition, where his work will be juxtaposed with works by masters of International Modernism including Francis Bacon and Jackson Pollock. Alberto Giacometti: Modernist Pioneer runs at the Leopold Museum until January 26. For more information, visit www.leopoldmuseum.org.

Celebrate the life and work of Vincent Van Gogh

In 2015, it will be 125 years since the Dutch master died. Events will take place across Europe throughout the year. One of the first in Belgium from January 24, will feature 70 of Van Gogh's early paintings, marking the period he ended life as a priest and emerged as a gifted artist. Another exhibition in the Netherlands, which starts in April, compares the works of Van Gogh with pieces from contemporaries, such as Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. A third intriguing exhibition later in the year, held in both Oslo and Amsterdam, will look at the art and ambitions of Edvard Munch and Van Gogh. For more information, visit www.vangoghmuseum.nl and www.vangogheurope.eu.

How centuries of travel shaped perceptions of Asia

Images can transform personal journeys and anonymous places into epic trips and incredible destinations and challenge ideas about beauty, culture and tradition. This exhibition in Washington examines representations of travels across Asia, from expeditions for trade and research to pilgrimages and pleasure jaunts. Featuring more than 100 works spanning five centuries, the objects range from woodblock prints, ink paintings and art photography to archaeological drawings, vintage postcards and diaries. The Traveller's Eye: Scenes of Asia runs at the Smithsonian until May 31. For more information, visit www.asia.si.edu.