KOONS SCULPTURE FINDS PERMANENT HOME AT LACMA

Photography by Laurent Lecat/Courtesy Of The Artist

Summary

• Jeff Koons' 37-foot Split-Rocker sculpture will be permanently installed at LACMA outside the David Geffen Galleries, donated by collectors Lynda and Stewart Resnick
• The flower-covered artwork combines two toy halves and contains 50,000 drought-resistant plants selected specifically for Southern California's climate
• Installation begins this summer with full bloom expected by April 2026, forming part of LACMA's 3.5-acre expansion across Wilshire Boulevard

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will house Jeff Koons' massive Split-Rocker sculpture as a permanent installation. The 37-foot artwork, created in 2000, arrives as a gift from art collectors Lynda and Stewart Resnick.

Installation will begin this summer outside the new David Geffen Galleries. The museum expects the sculpture to reach full bloom by April 2026, when it opens to visitors as part of LACMA's expanded outdoor programming.

The piece represents Koons' characteristic approach of combining childhood references. Split-Rocker merges half of a rocking horse that belonged to his son with half of a toy dinosaur. The metal framework supports 50,000 individual plants, including native succulents, perennials, and annual flowers.

LACMA worked with Koons and local horticulture experts over several years to select appropriate vegetation. The Los Angeles Times reported that the plant selection focused on drought-tolerant species suited to Southern California's climate conditions.

The sculpture will occupy space within LACMA's expanded campus, designed by architect Peter Zumthor. The David Geffen Galleries span 3.5 acres on both sides of Wilshire Boulevard, housing the museum's permanent collection alongside new outdoor areas.

Before arriving at LACMA, Split-Rocker appeared at notable locations including the Palace of Versailles and Rockefeller Center in New York. The Los Angeles installation marks its first permanent placement.

The museum's expansion includes work by several contemporary artists. Diana Thater, Mariana Castillo Deball, Liz Glynn, and Pedro Reyes will contribute pieces to the new spaces.

During June 26-28, musician Kamasi Washington will perform with a 100-person ensemble in the 110,000-square-foot Geffen Galleries before the sculpture installation begins. Details about these performances are available through the museum's website.

The outdoor art program represents a central component of LACMA's expansion strategy, integrating sculpture with the architectural design of the new galleries.