Big Things for Big Rooms
Big Things for Big Rooms at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an exhibition that traces the development of immersive, large-scale artworks since the late 1960s. Drawn largely from the Hirshhorn’s own collection, the presentation features ten artworks, five of which are on view for the first time at the museum. Organized in two parts, the exhibition explores how artists create installation works that expand the boundaries of both the artwork and the role of the visitor. The first part introduces “Environments” by pioneering artists such as Dan Flavin, Sam Gilliam, Robert Irwin (whose work helped define the Light and Space movement), Lygia Pape, and Land artist Richard Long. The second half demonstrates how contemporary artists like Paul Chan, Olafur Eliasson, Spencer Finch, Rashid Johnson, and Mika Rottenberg build on these foundational ideas, often using everyday materials. The exhibition is organized by Head Curator Evelyn C. Hankins with the support of Curatorial Assistant CJ Greenhill Caldera and will be on view through July 4, 2027.
When: December 20, 2025 through July 4, 2027
Venue: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Tickets: Price not available (the Hirshhorn generally offers free admission, but ticketing policy for this exhibition is not specified in the source)
Artists featured: Dan Flavin, Sam Gilliam, Robert Irwin, Lygia Pape, Richard Long (Part 1); Paul Chan, Olafur Eliasson, Spencer Finch, Rashid Johnson, Mika Rottenberg (Part 2)
Curated by: Evelyn C. Hankins, with CJ Greenhill Caldera
Accessibility: An Accessibility Brochure is available; printed copies and a braille version are available at the museum. A link to the brochure is provided on the museum website.
Guided tours: A related guided tour titled “Big Things for Big Rooms” is scheduled for July 26 at 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm (specific date and time; check museum for additional tour dates)
Note: The exhibition also has associated recorded talks and events, including artist talks with John Akomfrah and Olafur Eliasson, Paul Chan, a conversation about Sam Gilliam, a lecture by Robert Irwin, and a slideshow with Spencer Finch, though these are separate programs linked to the exhibition.