The major exhibition “Niki de Saint Phalle. Dream Machine” at the Kunstpalast in Düsseldorf, running from September 10, 2026, through February 7, 2027, presents an overview of the artistic oeuvre of the French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle (1930–2002). The exhibition focuses on her iconic “shooting paintings,” the famous colorful “Nanas,” performative happenings, sculptures, films, and models of monumental large-scale sculptures in the landscape. These works document her radical struggle against patriarchal structures and for female self-determination.
The exhibition highlights how Saint Phalle asserted her artistic autonomy in a male-dominated art world and created new images of femininity. In addition, the Kunstpalast also explores the artist’s creative milieu and presents her in dialogue with Jean Tinguely, Robert Rauschenberg, Yayoi Kusama, Dorothy Iannone, and Alina Szapocznikow to highlight her enduring influence on art history.
Niki de Saint Phalle is considered one of the most influential artists of the modern era. She used her art to critique gender roles and social norms, which earned her international attention and sparked controversy even during her lifetime. Saint Phalle began her career in the early 1960s and has since created a diverse body of work spanning sculpture, performance, and film, ranging from feminist themes to large-scale public installations. The exhibition at the Kunstpalast Düsseldorf highlights this artistic complexity and her enduring relevance to contemporary discourse.
Also on view at nearly the same time: Jörg Immendorff
The Kunstpalast Düsseldorf is dedicating an exhibition to the famous German artist and art professor Jörg Immendorff from September 25, 2026, through January 10, 2027; this exhibition’s run overlaps with that of the Niki de Saint Phalle show. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the “Prince of Painters” and his politically charged visual language through more than 100 exhibits. The works on display include large-format series of paintings, wood and bronze sculptures, drawings, and archival material. The exhibition traces all phases of Jörg Immendorff’s creative career and explores his life story, conflicts, and successes.
Services
- Admission to the exhibition “Niki de Saint Phalle. Dream Machine”
- Admission to other concurrent exhibitions at the Kunstpalast
- Admission to the Kunstpalast’s permanent collection
