Yayoi Kusama

Starting from September 11, a landmark retrospective of Yayoi Kusama, one of the most influential and pioneering artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, is on view. This expansive exhibition explores more than seven decades of Kusama’s groundbreaking work. A wide range of artistic media are being showcased, including painting, sculpture, installations, drawing, fashion, collages, happenings, and more. With the utmost respect, the retrospective exhibition of Yayoi Kusama has now become a posthumous tribute celebrating the life and work of the artist.

Starting her career in Japan in the early 1950s, Kusama later moved to New York, where she became a key figure in avant-garde movements in the 1960s. Her art spans multiple disciplines, including painting, sculpture, performance, fashion, and literature, continually pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. This retrospective will trace her remarkable evolution, from her early works in Matsumoto, Japan, to her innovative creations in New York, and her most recent productions from Tokyo. In addition to her most iconic pieces, the exhibition also features historic works never before shown in Europe, as well as new works created specifically for this occasion.

The show emphasizes Kusama’s lasting relevance and her remarkable influence worldwide. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with Fondation Beyeler in Basel (October 12, 2025, January 25, 2026) and Museum Ludwig in Cologne (March 14, 2026, August 2, 2026). The exhibition at the Stedelijk runs from September 11, 2026 until January 17, 2027.