Respect the Hustle
After Jeff Koons finished university at the Maryland College of Art and Art Institute in Chicago, he moved to New York to pursue his dreams of becoming an artist. However, to sustain that dream, he worked on the stock exchange as a broker to pay for his precious works of art.
Soon after, Koons fastly laid down a framework – introducing household items, inflatables, and flowers as art – for an iconic body of work. A Post-Modern Star was Born!
Anything goes
What is Post-Modern? Simply, postmodernism is a reaction against modernism. And, modernism is generally based on idealism and a utopian vision of human life and society. Therefore, post-modernism defies strict definition. If anything, it leans into complex, often complicated layers of meaning. Furthermore, postmodernism dismisses the distinction between high culture and mass or popular culture – giving way to a new arena where art and everyday objects are equally celebrated and regarded.
Jeff Koons in Amsterdam
Moco Museum celebrates artists who stand out for their contribution to art and culture. Now, Jeff Koons joins the Amsterdam exhibition Moco Masters at the Moco Museum. The rotating collection of works includes names like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Tracey Emin, Mark Rothko, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and many others.
Mirror, Mirror
Jeff Koons’ art ranges from monumental to collectible-size. Notably, mirror-finish surfaces often appear in his series like Easyfun, Gazing Ball, and Celebration (Balloon series), which visitors can see at Moco Museum in Amsterdam.
Ironically, the artist uses a tongue-in-cheek approach to play with ideas of taste, pleasure, vanity, celebrity, and commerce. For example, Balloon Venus is a significant work from Jeff Koons’ Antiquity Series, which combines history, pop, and commercialism. The piece is a celebration and collaboration between the artist and the champagne brand, Dom Pérignon.
Notably, Koons uses the balloon-shape as a motif in his work – tulips, animals, and ancient gods and goddesses. Did you know? Balloon Venus is inspired by the Venus of Willendorf, a fertility symbol that dates back to 25,000 BCE!
Easyfun
The series Easyfun by Jeff Koons presents animal head-shaped mirrors that inspire an innocent way of seeing the world – easy and fun! Untitled (Donkey) is the outline of a familiar friend – Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh!
Unquestionably, the post-modern artist references Narcissus from ancient Greek mythology in his works that not only use but also prompt reflection.
Because Narcissus was a very beautiful man who fell in love with his reflection. It’s Moco’s wish that you fall deeply in love with yourself and embrace everything that you are.
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.