The iconic spider sculpture “Maman” by Louise Bourgeois is set to return to London’s Tate Modern in 2025 to celebrate the museum’s 25th anniversary. The colossal arachnid sculpture, which was originally commissioned for the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall entrance in 2000 and later acquired by the museum in 2008, will once again captivate visitors with its powerful presence.
Inspired by Bourgeois’s mother and her qualities of skillfulness, protectiveness, and nurturing, “Maman” will be the centerpiece of the museum’s anniversary weekend on May 9. The event will also feature a trail of 25 contemporary artworks installed around the building, including Mark Rothko’s “Seagram Murals” and Dorothea Tanning’s painting “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.”
In addition to visual art, the anniversary celebration will showcase film, music, and performance works, such as a multi-screen film installation by Indian artist Nalini Malani and a live tarot reading series by Beninese conceptual artist Meschac Gaba. As one of the most popular art venues in the United Kingdom, the Tate Modern has seen a steady increase in attendance since the pandemic, with over 4.7 million visitors last year.
The Tate Modern, along with its sister institutions Tate Britain, Tate St Ives, and Tate Liverpool, forms a network that houses the UK’s national collection of modern and contemporary art. However, the museum has faced criticism in recent times, with protests and calls for accountability over its ties to organizations linked to Israeli military activity.
Despite these challenges, the Tate Modern remains a cultural powerhouse, drawing in millions of visitors each year with its diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions. The return of “Maman” to the museum’s iconic Turbine Hall is sure to create a buzz and attract a new generation of art enthusiasts to experience its awe-inspiring presence once again.
