Jul 3, 2025–May 2026
MoMA
Since its inception in 1939, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden at MoMA has offered a serene retreat amidst the bustling energy of Midtown Manhattan, harmoniously integrating nature, architecture, and art. Architect Philip Johnson’s 1953 redesign introduced four distinct marble-paved exhibition areas with accompanying shallow pools and seasonal plantings, creating a dynamic environment for sculpture display.
“Oasis in the City” presents a diverse selection of sculptures that traverse a broad spectrum from the late 19th century to contemporary works, embracing both figurative and abstract expressions. This exhibition notably reintroduces Jean Dubuffet’s monumental 1968 sculpture to the garden after more than five decades, inviting viewers to experience its immersive presence alongside timeless masterpieces such as Auguste Rodin’s evocative “St. John the Baptist Preaching” (1878–80) and Henry Moore’s iconic “Family Group” (1948–49). Complementing these are recent acquisitions like Lynda Benglis’s “Double Fountain, Mother and Child” (2007), which exemplify the evolving dialogue between nature and sculptural form within this celebrated urban sanctuary.
