Great, greater, greatest

Magdalena Abakanowicz

April 18 - August 24 2025

Exhibited at three locations in Brabant

This spring, delve into the life and work of Magdalena Abakanowicz across three locations in Brabant: TextielMuseum in Tilburg, Het Noordbrabants Museum, and Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant in 's-Hertogenbosch. This website provides more information about this collaboration, the exhibitions, and joint activities.

About the triptych

Step into the world of Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930-2017) this spring. One of the greatest artists of the past century, she gained worldwide fame with her sculptures, addressed topics that remain relevant today, and left behind an impressive oeuvre that continues to inspire many artists.

The Polish Abakanowicz changed the art world forever. She is also known as the founder of installation art and elevated working with textiles to an art form. Although her name may not yet be widely known, this is your chance to change that. Her groundbreaking work, which pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms, is on display in a joint exhibition from April 18 to August 24 at TextielMuseum in Tilburg, Het Noordbrabants Museum, and the provinciehuis Noord-Brabant in 's-Hertogenbosch.

Through this unique collaboration, it is now possible to give Abakanowicz the stage she deserves in our country.

Art will remain the most astonishing activity of mankind born out of struggle between wisdom and madness, between dream and reality in our mind.
- Magdalena Abakanowicz

Jump to information from: TextielMuseum Het Noordbrabants Museum Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant

A glimpse into Abakanowicz's oeuvre

Foundation Toms Pauli Lausanne (Donation of Pierre and Marguerite Magnenat) Foto van Arnaud Conne
Magdalena Abakanowicz by Marek Holzman, copyright estate Marek Holzman, the Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz-Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation Foto van Marek Holzman
Foundation Toms Pauli Lausanne (Donation of Association Pierre Pauli) Foto van Norbert Piwowarczyk
Magdalena Abakanowicz, Bois le Duc, (1970-1971), Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant © The Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation, Warsaw. Foto van Rob Lipsius
Magdalena Abakanowicz, Abakan Red, 1969. Tate, presented anonymously 2009 © The Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation, Warsaw. Foto van Tate
Magdalena Abakanowicz, Crowd III, 1988-1989. Sylwia and Piotr Krupa Collection. © Fundacja Marty Magdaleny Abakanowicz Kosmowskiej i Jana Kosmowskiego, Warsaw.

TextielMuseum

Everything is made of fiber

Step into an awe-inspiring universe of monumental textile sculptures that blur the boundaries between art and nature. Abakanowicz was fascinated by the texture of textiles and the structure of natural fibers. She used this fascination as the basis for her woven works, but also to portray the human body. She traveled the world to personally curate her exhibitions, placing her sculptures at the center of the space to create an 'environment'—a world of their own. With this spatial concept, she became one of the pioneers of installation art.

At the TextielMuseum, we dive into Abakanowicz's creative process. Her studio, workshop, and home in Warsaw have remained intact since her passing in 2017. We visited these places and spoke with her former assistants, who still maintain them and manage a collection of her work. The exhibition features a film—largely recorded in Warsaw—in which they share insights into Abakanowicz's unique way of working.

More about the exhibition

Backs, 1976-1980, Tate Images

Magdalena Abakanowicz, Red Abakan III, 1970-1971. Foto: Arnaud Conne

Het Noordbrabants Museum

Human Nature

The work of Magdalena Abakanowicz emerged after World War II and during the period of Russian oppression in Eastern Europe. Many of the themes in her work—such as the tension between East and West—have once again become relevant today. In 1971, she attended a meeting of the Club of Rome, where she first heard about climate change. This experience inspired her to focus on restoring the balance between humanity and nature. In her time, it took an atomic bomb and a moon landing to realize just how fragile our planet is.

Het Noordbrabants Museum presents Abakanowicz’s work in the context of both world history and contemporary issues. Her pieces are shown alongside modern artists such as Anish Kapoor, Kimsooja, Marlene Dumas, and Kader Attia. Especially for this exhibition, choreographer Nicole Beutler has created a dance performance, and a new film by Kristina Benjocki and Stijn Verhoeff will premiere.

More about the exhibition

Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant

Bois le Duc

The largest artwork ever created by Magdalena Abakanowicz can be found right here in Brabant. The spectacular Bois le Duc was made specifically for this hall in the Province House, measuring over 7 meters high and 22 meters wide. While the space is usually closed to the public, special programs will be organized during the exhibition, such as guided tours, films, and an international symposium. A unique opportunity to experience this impressive work up close!

Magdalena Abakanowicz, Bois le Duc, (1970-1971), Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant © The Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation, Warsaw. Foto Rob Lipsius

Magdalena Abakanowicz has been making waves with her art since the 1970s. Her monumental art installations will be making a splash in three locations in Brabant. This is not just a tribute; it's a new perspective on her trendsetting work.
- Jacqueline Grandjean, directeur van Het Noordbrabants Museum

The Three Locations Mapped

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By designing this triptych together, we are able to present Magdalena Abakanowicz's vast body of work in its entirety, approaching it from different perspectives.
- Jochem Otten, directeur van het TextielMuseum

Activities

Enhance your museum visit with a symposium, which will be held in English. Click here for more information

Practical Information

From 18 April to 24 August 2025, discover the work of Magdalena Abakanowicz at three locations in Brabant: TextielMuseum in Tilburg, Het Noordbrabants Museum, and provinciehuis Noord-Brabant in ’s-Hertogenbosch. A special combi-ticket lets you visit both museums at a reduced rate of € 30. During the summer holidays, you can join a bus tour that takes you to both museums and the provinciehuis Noord-Brabant, where her largest artwork ever is on display.

Combi-ticket

A € 30 combi-ticket gives you access to both the TextielMuseum and Het Noordbrabants Museum — cheaper than buying separate tickets. The ticket is valid for one adult during the entire exhibition period (18 April to 24 August 2025). It's an open ticket, so you're free to choose when to visit. You can visit both museums on the same day or on two different days within the exhibition period. Please note: this ticket does not grant access to the provinciehuis Noord-Brabant.

Buy a combi-ticket

Museum Passes

Do you have a Museum Card, VriendenLoterij VIP card, ICOM card, or another discount pass? Then you can visit both museums for free and don’t need to buy a combi-ticket. Simply plan your visit through the standard ticket shops.

Ticketshop TextielMuseum Ticketshop Het Noordbrabants Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a combi-ticket?

Yes! For €30, you can buy a combi-ticket that allows one-time access to both the TextielMuseum and Het Noordbrabants Museum. It’s cheaper than buying separate tickets. You may visit both museums on the same day or on two different days — anytime during the exhibition period (18 April to 24 August 2025). Please note: the combi-ticket does not include access to the Province House of North Brabant. Click here to buy your combi-ticket.

Is the combiticket valid for Museum Card holders?

No. If you have a Museum Card, VriendenLoterij VIP Card, ICOM pass or any other discount card, you can visit both museums for free. A combiticket is not necessary and no extra fee applies. However, we recommend reserving a free ticket in advance via the websites of both museums: TextielMuseum and Het Noordbrabants Museum.

Are audio tours available?

No, there are no audio tours available.

Is there a catalogue?

Yes. Publications about Abakanowicz are available for purchase at both museums. The TextielMuseum also provides a free booklet with background information. Both museum shops offer a variety of books on the artist. In autumn, a new publication about the Human Nature exhibition at Het Noordbrabants Museum will be released.

Is there an exhibition at the provinciehuis Noord-Brabant?

At the Provinciehuis, you can view Bois le Duc, the largest permanent artwork created by Abakanowicz in 1971 specifically for the building. There is no temporary exhibition.

How can I visit the provinciehuis Noord-Brabant?

The provinciehuis is only open to the public on Wednesdays during the summer holidays. You can visit independently. This impressive artwork is usually not open to the public — but now it is! The provinciehuis opens its doors from 09:00 to 17:00. No ticket is required; you can simply walk in on your own. And the best part? It’s completely free. Visit on one of these exclusive dates: 9, 16, 23 & 30 July, and 6, 13 & 20 August.

What is the difference between the exhibitions?

The TextielMuseum highlights Abakanowicz’s textile works and her pioneering role in installation art. Het Noordbrabants Museum showcases her work throughout her career, alongside contemporary artists. The exhibitions complement each other. For the full picture, visit both.

How much time do I need to visit both museums?

Expect to spend about 1 hour at the TextielMuseum and 1.5 hours at Het Noordbrabants Museum. If you also want to explore the rest of the museum collections, plan for approximately 2 hours in Tilburg and 3 hours in Den Bosch. Travel time between the cities is about 45 minutes by car or 15 minutes by train. From the station or parking, it’s a 10–20-minute walk to each museum.

Do I need to pay a surcharge for the exhibitions?

No, there is no additional charge.

Textielmuseum

Goirkestraat 96

5046 GN Tilburg

Het Noordbrabants Museum

Verwersstraat 41

5211 HT 's-Hertogenbosch

Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant

Brabantlaan 1

5216 TV 's-Hertogenbosch