The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum has announced that its famous spiral rotunda will host significant exhibitions by two prominent contemporary artists, Carol Bove and Taryn Simon, in 2026. The announcement marks a major programming decision for the museum's most prestigious exhibition space, which has featured some of the art world's most celebrated artists over the decades.
Carol Bove will present her first-ever comprehensive survey exhibition at the Guggenheim, spanning 25 years of her artistic career. The retrospective will showcase the full breadth of her work, with particular emphasis on her monumental metal sculptures that have become her signature pieces. Bove, known for her sensuous works in steel, has gained significant recognition in recent years, including representation by Gagosian Gallery, where her first show with the prestigious gallery took place in New York.
The Swiss-born artist has established herself as a major force in contemporary sculpture, creating works that blend abstract forms with industrial materials. Her pieces often explore themes of femininity and strength through curved steel forms that appear both delicate and powerful. Bove's work has been featured in numerous international exhibitions, including a notable presentation at the Swiss Pavilion during the Venice Biennale, where she created an installation titled "Women of Venice" that paid homage to Alberto Giacometti's historical connection to the pavilion.
Taryn Simon, the acclaimed photographer and conceptual artist, will also utilize the rotunda's unique architectural space for her exhibition. Simon is renowned for her investigative approach to photography and her ability to reveal hidden systems and structures through her meticulously researched projects. Her work often combines photography with extensive research and documentation, creating complex narratives about power, access, and institutional systems.
The Guggenheim's rotunda, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, presents unique challenges and opportunities for artists due to its distinctive spiral architecture. The space has hosted legendary exhibitions throughout the museum's history, and the selection of both Bove and Simon demonstrates the institution's commitment to showcasing diverse voices in contemporary art. These exhibitions are expected to draw significant attention from the international art community and museum visitors alike when they open in 2026.
