Amsterdam
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Willem de Kooning at Work: A Comprehensive Retrospective Exhibition at the Rijksmuseum

This major retrospective highlights the artistic evolution and profound impact of the celebrated painter Willem de Kooning.

The exhibition examines the life and career of Willem de Kooning, one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. It traces his journey from a young man leaving Rotterdam to his stature as a central figure in modern art. Visitors can gain insight into the techniques and thematic focus that defined his fifty-year professional trajectory.

About Willem de Kooning at work at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Willem de Kooning at work at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This major retrospective celebrates the life and career of Willem de Kooning, one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Returning to the Netherlands, the exhibition showcases his evolution from a young man leaving Rotterdam to his stature as a titan of modern art.

Curatorial context

Willem de Kooning at work offers a deep dive into the artistic practice and legacy of Willem de Kooning, who traveled from Rotterdam to the United States as a stowaway to pursue his own vision. The exhibition traces his transformation from a young immigrant into a central figure of modern art, highlighting the dedication and raw energy he poured into his craft over his fifty-year career. Visitors can explore a curated selection of iconic works that illustrate De Kooning's distinctive style and his place within the American art landscape. The retrospective, supported by the Willem de Kooning Foundation and various international partners, provides a rare opportunity to view these significant pieces together and gain insight into the methods and thematic focus that defined his enduring contribution to the history of art.

Admission and ticket notes

Tickets can be booked in advance via the museum's website. Standard adult admission is €25, while visitors aged 18 and under can enter for free; further details regarding opening hours and practical information are available on the Rijksmuseum website portal.

Willem de Kooning at work key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Willem de Kooning at work at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Venue
Rijksmuseum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Oct 9, 2026
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features works by Willem de Kooning, with contributions from the Willem de Kooning Foundation and other lenders.
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