Amsterdam
Completed

Metamorphoses: Ovid's Enduring Influence on Art and Transformation at the Rijksmuseum

Discover over 80 masterpieces across diverse media, reflecting Ovid's ancient poem's rich legacy.

The Rijksmuseum presents 'Metamorphoses,' a significant exhibition delving into Ovid's two-thousand-year-old poem. This foundational source has inspired artists for centuries. Explore over 80 masterpieces from global collections, spanning paintings, sculptures, and contemporary works. Witness diverse interpretations of human, animal, and divine transformations in art.

About Metamorphoses at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Metamorphoses at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This major exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, 'Metamorphoses,' explores the enduring influence of Ovid's ancient poem on artists throughout history. It showcases over 80 masterpieces, including paintings, sculptures, and contemporary works, that interpret Ovid's tales of transformation, passion, and mythology.

Curatorial context

The Rijksmuseum's significant spring exhibition, 'Metamorphoses,' delves into Ovid's two-thousand-year-old poem, a foundational source of inspiration for artists across centuries. The exhibition brings together more than 80 masterpieces drawn from global museums and collections, featuring works by renowned artists such as Bernini, Titian, Correggio, Caravaggio, Rodin, Brancusi, Magritte, and Bourgeois. The collection spans a diverse range of media, including paintings, sculptures, goldsmith's work, ceramics, contemporary photography, and video art, reflecting a special collaboration with the Galleria Borghese in Rome. Inspired by the idea that 'All things change, but nothing dies,' central to Ovid's poem written around 8 AD, the exhibition highlights the constant transformations of humans, animals, and gods. It presents both iconic historic works, such as Bernini's _Sleeping Hermaphroditus_ and Caravaggio's _Narcissus_, alongside modern interpretations, including the boundary-pushing work of Ulay and a video installation by Juul Kraijer inspired by the myth of Medusa. The exhibition underscores Ovid's _Metamorphoses_ as a 'Bible for artists,' demonstrating its continuous relevance and rich legacy in inspiring art and culture.

Admission and ticket notes

Adult tickets are priced at €25. Admission is free for visitors aged 18 and under, ICOM members, and Friends of the Rijksmuseum. The museum is cashless, accepting only digital payment methods or credit cards. Visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance, with a link provided for ticket purchases.

Metamorphoses key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Metamorphoses at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Venue
Rijksmuseum
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Feb 6, 2026 – May 25, 2026
Artist line / attribution
Featuring works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Rodin, Bourgeois, Brancusi, Titian, Correggio, Magritte, Ulay, and Juul Kraijer, among others.
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