Adorno believes that art, which is utopian in character, shows up that which is lacking in current society, and that this kind of art can set itself up in opposition to the present and hence, open up the present to the future — which he calls the realm of hope.

Utopian socialism is often described as the presentation of visions and outlines for imaginary or futuristic ideal societies, with positive ideals being the main reason for moving society in such a direction. ... These visions of ideal societies competed with Marxist-inspired revolutionary social democratic movements.