Big Things for Big Rooms

Big Things for Big Rooms explores the evolution of immersive, large-scale installation art from the late 1960s to the present. The exhibition features 10 artworks, including five being shown at the Hirshhorn for the first time, and draws primarily from the Museum’s collection.

Presented in two parts, the exhibition examines how artists have expanded the physical and conceptual boundaries of art, as well as the visitor’s role within it. The first section focuses on the development of “Environments,” with works by pioneering artists including Dan Flavin, Sam Gilliam, Robert Irwin, Lygia Pape, and land artist Richard Long. The second considers how contemporary artists such as Paul Chan, Olafur Eliasson, Spencer Finch, Rashid Johnson, and Mika Rottenberg build on those ideas, often incorporating everyday materials.

When: December 20, 2025–July 4, 2027

Venue: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Exhibition: The presentation includes 10 large-scale artworks, five of which are on view at the Museum for the first time.

Artists: Dan Flavin, Sam Gilliam, Robert Irwin, Lygia Pape, Richard Long, Paul Chan, Olafur Eliasson, Spencer Finch, Rashid Johnson, and Mika Rottenberg

Organization: The exhibition is organized in two parts: the first addresses the emergence of expansive “Environments,” while the second explores contemporary developments of those foundational ideas.

Curator: Organized by Head Curator Evelyn C. Hankins with support from Curatorial Assistant CJ Greenhill Caldera.

Accessibility: An accessibility brochure is available online. Printed copies and a braille version are available at the Museum.

Tickets: Price not available