SHELTER by KAWS — Sculpture Garden Installation

SHELTER, a monumental new bronze sculpture by Brooklyn-based artist and designer KAWS, has been installed on the West Overlook of the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The 14-foot-tall work, commissioned by the Hirshhorn and cast in 2026, depicts two of KAWS’s signature COMPANION figures—a parent holding a child on its lap. The figures are recognizable by their gloved hands, crossbone-like protrusions replacing the ears, and “X” marks in place of eyes. The installation sits prominently on the northwest corner of the Overlook, across from the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building, where passersby can view it from the Mall. The placement near the recently reopened National Mall carousel inspired the work’s contemplative pose. According to a press release from the artist, “It’s an honor to have my work installed in the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden alongside so many artists I respect and admire. Being in such a prominent location on our capital’s National Mall is a true privilege. I hope the work encourages people to reflect on our relationships, how we treat one another and what that means for future generations.” The garden itself, which has been undergoing a major renovation led by artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, is expected to reopen to the public in late October after more than three years of construction. In the interim, the sculpture is fully visible from the West Overlook, offering an early preview of the renewed garden.

Artist: KAWS (born Brian Donnelly), a Brooklyn-based artist known for his COMPANION characters and work that began with his career as an animator for Disney.

Artwork: SHELTER (2026), a 14-foot-tall bronze sculpture depicting a parent COMPANION with a child COMPANION on its lap.

Location: West Overlook, Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, National Mall, Washington, D.C.

When: Installed May 14, 2026. On view daily from the Overlook; the Sculpture Garden itself remains closed for renovation until late October 2026.

Price: Free and open to the public during all hours the Overlook is accessible.

Viewing: Passersby can view the sculpture from the northwest corner of the West Overlook, across from the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building.

Background: The installation is part of the Hirshhorn’s broader Sculpture Garden renovation, which will include several other works across both the West and East Overlooks. The increased visibility of artworks from the Mall has been a stated goal of the redesign.

Note: The Sculpture Garden officially reopens in late October 2026 after more than three years of construction. The sculpture remains in place permanently.