What Is the Large Claes Oldenburg Sculpture Outside of the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum?

Art|Art Museum

The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum in Missouri is home to one of the most iconic sculptures created by American artist Claes Oldenburg. This large-scale sculpture, titled “Shuttlecocks”, is a striking and monumental work of art that has become an integral part of the museum’s identity.

The sculpture consists of four 20-foot-tall aluminum shuttlecocks set atop 18-foot poles. It is located in the museum’s Sculpture Park, which was designed by renowned landscape architect Charles A. Birnbaum and completed in 2007.

The sculpture was first commissioned as part of an exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., where it was on display for more than a year before being donated to the Nelson-Atkins Museum in 1994. Oldenburg had originally intended for it to be a temporary installation, but its popularity and unique design made it an ideal addition to the museum’s permanent collection.

The sculpture is not only visually stunning but also highly symbolic. Its form and materials are meant to evoke the idea of flight and freedom, as well as a sense of lightness and playfulness that can be found in much of Oldenburg’s work. It also serves as a reminder of how art can transform public spaces into unexpected places for contemplation and exploration.

The “Shuttlecocks” sculpture has become a beloved landmark at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, drawing visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its beauty and contemplate its message. It stands as a testament to Oldenburg’s creativity and skill as an artist, while also providing visitors with an unforgettable experience that they will cherish for years to come.

Conclusion:

What Is the Large Claes Oldenburg Sculpture Outside of the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum? The large Claes Oldenburg sculpture outside of the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum is called “Shuttlecocks”, a stunning 20-foot tall aluminum structure consisting of four shuttlecocks atop 18 foot poles that symbolizes flight and freedom while providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.