The exhibition "Five Friends: John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly" at the Museum Ludwig sheds light on a hitherto underestimated network of influential 20th century artists. Although each of these artists has achieved great recognition individually, the complex relationships within this group have remained unexplored until now. Yet their connections had a decisive influence on post-war art. The artists created interdisciplinary works that continue to inspire subsequent generations to this day.
One of the main aspects of the exhibition deals with the experience of living and working as a gay artist in the 1950s. The dynamics of the art scene in the USA at the time are scrutinized.
The exhibition also explores John Cage's theoretical influence on Robert Rauschenberg and Cy Twombly and looks at the collaboration between Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. The performative and collaborative dimension of her work reflects her vision of a non-hierarchical, anti-imperialist society.
Services - MuseumsCard offer
This offer includes admission to the "Five Friends" exhibition from October 3, 2025 to January 11, 2026 with the MuseumsCard Single for Adults or the MuseumsCard Family. The MuseumsCard can also be used to visit any number of other museums in the city of Cologne on a total of two consecutive opening days. There is a free choice:
- Museum Ludwig
- Wallraf-Richartz-Museum & Fondation Corboud
- Roman-Germanic Museum
- Museum of Applied Arts Cologne
- Museum of East Asian Art
- Museum Schnütgen
- Rautenstrauch-Joest-Museum - Cultures of the World
- Cologne City Museum
- NS Documentation Center
The MuseumsCard is also valid as a ticket on the first day of validity on public transport operated by VRS partner companies within the city of Cologne.
