Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Presents Monumental 'Metamorphoses' Exhibition
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is set to host "Metamorphoses," a major exhibition exploring the enduring influence of Ovid's classical epic poem on artists across centuries. This significant collaboration with the Galleria Borghese in Rome brings together over 80 masterpieces that delve into themes of transformation, passion, and human nature. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience this collection at the Rijksmuseum from February 6 to May 25, 2026. The exhibition will then travel to Galleria Borghese, presented in a different arrangement, from June 22 to September 20, 2026.
Exploring Ovid's Influence Through Masterpieces in Amsterdam
Ovid’s "Metamorphoses," a narrative poem filled with tales of gods and humans transforming into animals, plants, or stones, has long been a profound source of inspiration. The exhibition showcases how artists have interpreted these powerful stories, touching upon themes of desire, jealousy, cunning, and deceit. Regarded by Karel van Mander in 1604 as a "Bible for artists," Ovid's work continues to resonate through various artistic forms, inspiring painters, sculptors, and writers for centuries. The exhibition at the Rijksmuseum aims to highlight this continuous artistic dialogue with antiquity's compelling narratives.
The diverse collection on view spans painting, sculpture, precious metalwork, ceramics, and even contemporary photography and video art. Notable fables, such as the creation of the cosmos, Arachne's transformation into a spider, and Jupiter's numerous disguises to deceive Juno and his mortal victims, are vividly depicted through the selected artworks.
Key Artworks and Themes to Discover at the Rijksmuseum
"Metamorphoses" features a rich selection of art from global collections. Among the many highlights, visitors can expect to see Bernini's Sleeping Hermaphroditus from the Musée du Louvre, alongside Titian’s Danaë and Tintoretto’s Minerva and Arachne. Correggio's iconic works, Jupiter and Io and Danaë, which were originally created for the Duke of Mantua, will also be on display.
The exhibition further includes Caravaggio’s Narcissus and Rodin’s marble Pygmalion and Galatea, presented alongside Jean-Leon Gérôme’s painting of the same subject. Three of Arcimboldo’s distinctive composite faces will be featured, adding another layer to the theme of transformation. A unique presentation includes the life-size bronze Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Dutch artist Hubert Gerhardt, shown together for the first time with its model, which served as a prototype for Cellini’s renowned sculpture.
Beyond the Exhibition: Special Events and Programmes
To complement the exhibition, the Rijksmuseum has organized a range of special programmes. An audio tour, narrated by Sir Stephen Fry, will guide visitors through the myths and artistic interpretations of "Metamorphoses," available for free via the Rijksmuseum app.
Music lovers can attend the "Metamorphoses in Music" concert series, exploring how composers have drawn inspiration from Ovid's themes of transformation. The series includes performances by Lavinia Meijer, Itai Weissman, Kate Clark, Sara Brink-Nielsen, Sahand Sahebdivani, the ensemble STILE GALANTE, and musicians from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra on select dates in March, April, and May 2026. Additionally, the museum will host a "Rijksmuseum After Hours: Metamorphoses" event, a special night for young adults on Friday, March 27.
An accompanying exhibition catalogue, produced in partnership with Galleria Borghese and Hannibal Books, will be available in Dutch, English, and Italian. It will feature discussions of the artworks from both exhibition venues and essays by specialists. The exhibition's design at the Rijksmuseum was created by Aldo Bakker. For more details on the exhibition and its programmes, you can visit the Rijksmuseum's press release.
This comprehensive exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience a timeless narrative through the lens of artistic genius. To discover more about cultural offerings in Amsterdam and other museums, explore Musemap (musemap.art) for local listings or see what other exhibitions are currently on.
