MoMA Painting & Sculpture Department
The Painting and Sculpture Department at the Museum of Modern Art is home to one of the most extraordinary collections of modern and contemporary art ever assembled. With approximately 3,600 works spanning from the late 19th century to the present day, the department holds the world's largest collection of modern paintings and sculptures. From the bold brushstrokes of Post-Impressionism to the daring forms of Abstract Expressionism, every visit reveals new dimensions of artistic achievement.
The story of this remarkable collection begins with MoMA's very first exhibition in 1929, which unveiled paintings by Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, and Paul Cezanne. These four artists represented a revolutionary break from tradition, and their inclusion signaled MoMA's commitment to showcasing the most important developments in modern art. The department was formally established in 1985, and it has continued to grow and evolve ever since.
Notable Paintings in the Collection
The Painting and Sculpture Department boasts some of the most celebrated and recognizable works in the history of art. These masterpieces attract millions of visitors from around the globe each year, and many are considered defining works of their respective movements.
Post-Impressionist Masterpieces
- •Paul Cezanne – "The Bather"(1885–87)
- •Vincent van Gogh – "The Starry Night" (1889)
- •Vincent van Gogh – "Olive Trees" (1889)
- •Henri Rousseau – "The Sleeping Gypsy" (1897)
Early 20th Century Icons
- •Henri Matisse – "The Dance I" (1909)
- •Henri Rousseau – "The Dream" (1910)
- •Henri Matisse – "L'Atelier Rouge" (1911)
- •Marc Chagall – "I and the Village" (1911)
Modern Masterworks
Beyond the Post-Impressionist and early modern galleries, the Painting and Sculpture Department features groundbreaking works that pushed the boundaries of abstraction, surrealism, and geometric composition. These pieces represent some of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century art.
| Artist | Work | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Henri Matisse | View of Notre-Dame | 1914 |
| Giorgio de Chirico | Love Song | 1914 |
| Kazimir Malevich | White on White | 1918 |
| Piet Mondrian | Broadway Boogie Woogie | 1942–43 |
Giorgio de Chirico's Love Song (1914) is widely regarded as one of the foundational works of the Surrealist movement, combining classical references with dreamlike juxtapositions. Kazimir Malevich's White on White (1918) represents the extreme frontier of abstraction, reducing painting to its most elemental forms. Meanwhile, Piet Mondrian's Broadway Boogie Woogie(1942–43) captures the vibrant rhythm and energy of New York City through a grid of pulsating colors, and remains one of the most beloved works in the entire MoMA collection.
Joseph and Sylvia Slifka Study Center
For those who wish to delve deeper into the collection, the Joseph and Sylvia Slifka Study Center offers an invaluable resource. The center maintains detailed files on more than 3,400 artworks in the Painting and Sculpture Department, including provenance records, exhibition histories, conservation notes, and scholarly references.
The Study Center is accessible by appointment and welcomes researchers, scholars, students, and members of the public with a serious interest in the collection. Whether you are writing a thesis, preparing an exhibition, or simply want to learn more about a specific work, the center's staff can help guide your research.
Study Center Hours & Access
- Days: Wednesday and Thursday
- Hours:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Access: By appointment only
Department History & Scholarship
Since its establishment in 1985, the Painting and Sculpture Department has been led by a succession of distinguished curators who have shaped the course of modern art history. The department's acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications have set the standard for museums around the world.
In 2015, Ann Temkin, the department's chief curator, published a comprehensive account of the collection's history and significance. This publication provides an in-depth look at the curatorial philosophy behind the department, the stories behind key acquisitions, and the evolving role of painting and sculpture in the broader context of contemporary art.
The collection continues to grow with new acquisitions each year, ensuring that MoMA's Painting and Sculpture Department remains at the leading edge of modern and contemporary art. Visitors can explore the galleries on the fourth and fifth floors of the museum, where works are rotated regularly to offer fresh perspectives on the collection.
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Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first painting exhibited at MoMA?
When MoMA opened in 1929, the inaugural exhibition featured works by four pioneering Post-Impressionist artists: Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Georges Seurat, and Vincent van Gogh. These paintings set the tone for the museum's dedication to modern art and established MoMA as a champion of progressive artistic expression.
The very first exhibition demonstrated the museum's ambition to present the most important movements in modern art. By showcasing these four revolutionary artists, MoMA signaled its intention to become the world's leading institution for modern and contemporary art from its very first day.
When was the Painting and Sculpture Department established?
The Painting and Sculpture Department at MoMA was formally established in 1985. Before that, works of painting and sculpture were managed under broader curatorial divisions, but the growing size and importance of the collection warranted a dedicated department.
Since its establishment, the department has been responsible for acquiring, preserving, and exhibiting one of the most significant collections of modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures in the world. It continues to shape how we understand the evolution of visual art from the late 19th century to the present day.
How many works are in the Painting and Sculpture collection?
The Painting and Sculpture Department houses approximately 3,600 works, making it one of the most comprehensive collections of modern and contemporary art anywhere in the world. The collection spans from the late 19th century through to the present and includes masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Mondrian.
New acquisitions are continually added to the collection through purchases, gifts, and bequests. The department's curators work closely with artists, galleries, and collectors to ensure the collection remains at the forefront of modern and contemporary art.
How old is the Painting and Sculpture collection at MoMA?
The roots of MoMA's painting and sculpture collection date back to the museum's founding in 1929. The very first exhibition featured Post-Impressionist works from the late 1800s, meaning the oldest pieces in the collection are well over a century old. Over the decades, the collection has grown to include works from every major modern art movement.
While the formal Painting and Sculpture Department was established in 1985, the museum had been collecting and displaying paintings and sculptures since its inception. Today the collection includes works ranging from the 1880s all the way to contemporary pieces created in recent years.
Can you touch the artwork at MoMA?
No, visitors are not permitted to touch any artworks at MoMA. The paintings, sculptures, and other works on display are extremely delicate, and even the slightest contact can cause irreversible damage. Oils from skin, pressure, and vibrations can all degrade surfaces and finishes over time.
MoMA has trained gallery attendants stationed throughout the museum to help protect the collection. Visitors are asked to maintain a respectful distance from all works on display. If you would like a closer look at specific pieces, the Joseph and Sylvia Slifka Study Center offers research access by appointment.