At Moco Museum Amsterdam, Hirst’s work takes a different path, to inspire younger generations. With previously exhibited pieces like Omnipotence, featuring real butterflies arranged in a kaleidoscopic pattern and Untitled (Birthday Card) of the same subject matter within a large pink heart-shaped frame. The young and the young-at-heart will be delighted to see the artist’s minimalistic take on Mickey Mouse.
Beauty and Death
Hirst’s fascination with life and death is most famously captured in his formaldehyde series. His use of real animals like sharks, sheep, and cows that are preserved in glass tanks pushes the boundaries of art and science. The viewer is left to contemplate the tension between natural beauty and the inevitability of death. His piece Mother and Child (Divided), which won the prestigious Turner Prize in 1995, features a cow and calf split in half, preserved and displayed in glass tanks, which forced the viewer to confront the stark reality of mortality.
At Moco Museum Amsterdam, Hirst’s exploration of life and death continues to captivate. His use of real butterflies in Omnipotence reflects this same theme of beauty and death existing side by side. The delicate arrangement of the butterflies’ wings creates a sense of order and symmetry, contrasting with the unsettling reality that the butterflies themselves are real.
The Shock Factor
Hirst’s work has always divided opinion… And that’s exactly the point. His ability to transform provocative concepts into high art has made him one of the most influential figures in contemporary art. From his infamous diamond-encrusted skull For the Love of God to his early pharmaceutical cabinet series, Hirst’s art questions the meaning of life, value, and belief systems.
Critics have accused Hirst of sensationalism and commercialism, but his ability to command attention is undeniable. His art has been displayed in major galleries around the world, including the Damien Hirst exhibition Amsterdam 2017 at Kunsthuis Amsterdam, where his work drew record-breaking crowds. His influence on modern art continues to resonate, making him one of the most commercially successful and controversial artists of his generation.
Hirst in Amsterdam
Hirst’s exploration of mortality, value, and human fascination with death remains as relevant now as it was in the 1990s. His ability to provoke, question, and inspire ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, Hirst’s work at Moco Museum Amsterdam is a must-see.
Exhibiting artists include
Reviews
Practical Information
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Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00
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Duration
Approximately 60 minutes.
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Location
Honthorststraat 20, Amsterdam (Museum Square). Get directions via this link.
Are you traveling by car in Amsterdam? Find a parking space at Q-Park Museumplein.
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Contact
Do you have a question? Email us at [email protected].
For all other inquiries visit our contact page.
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Audio Guide
Don’t forget to bring your headphones to access the free audio tour.
Media Reviews
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ForbesLocated in a sprawling mansion on Museumplein, Moco Museum brings together 20th-century legends like Dalí, Warhol, Keith Haring and Yayoi Kusama, alongside contemporary icons such as Banksy and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Skip the city’s big three art museums in favor of this small but jam-packed gem of modern art on Museumplein. -
Harper’s BAZAARFrom Banksy to Basquiat and Keith Haring, Moco Museum brings together the biggest names in modern and street art - making it one of the best museums in Amsterdam. A must-visit for lovers of modern and street art, Moco Museum stands out among Amsterdam’s top cultural institutions. In our opinion, one of the best museums in Amsterdam. -
Conde Nast TravelerOpened in 2016 by prominent local gallerists, Moco Museum continues to hog headlines, helped along by a magnificent setting in Villa Alsberg, a 1904 architectural beauty on Museumplein. With its heady mix of Pop Art and works by graffiti rock stars, Moco has enough contemporary swagger to make the neighboring Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum quake in their old-school boots. -
Amsterdam Local GemsPersonal experiences can vary, but many visitors find the museum surprisingly engaging. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot for both art aficionados and those just looking to enjoy something different. -
TripadvisorWith a surprise at every corner and colourful, immersive art installations, Moco Museum is the perfect place to visit with family, and equally the perfect place to visit with friends.