The large-scale Yayoi Kusama retrospective at the Stedelijk Museum immediately catches the eye with its bright red, polka-dotted facade on the Museumplein. But once inside, it’s all about the two magical Infinity Rooms. With the right route and smart timing, you can make the most of your reserved time slot and avoid the longest lines.
Who is Yayoi Kusama? The Zero Group and Its Ties to the Netherlands
Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama (1929–2026) is known worldwide for her mesmerizing dot patterns and Infinity Mirror Rooms. What many forget is her deep historical connection to Amsterdam. As early as the 1960s, she joined the Dutch Nul group.
In 1962 , she was the only woman to exhibit at the Stedelijk, and in 1965, she donated hericonic boat installation *Aggregation: One Thousand Boats Show* to the museum. When she also painted artist Jan Schoonhoven nude with dots in 1967 , the tone was set. This retrospective therefore feels like a true homecoming.
More Than Just Mirror Rooms: A Complete Body of Work
The Stedelijk showcases the full breadth of Kusama’s artistic practice: from early paintings, drawings, and collages to sculptures, fashion, and her radical happenings. Following her passing, this large-scale retrospective has been transformed into a historic posthumous tribute to her groundbreaking life and complete body of work.
The 2 Infinity Rooms Compared: Which One Would You Choose First?
The Stedelijk is dedicating an entire wing to the exhibition, with two mirror rooms as the absolute highlights . In addition to well-known works, you’ll experience a new Infinity Mirror Room developed specifically for this retrospective. Both rooms offer a unique journey into Kusama’s infinite universe.
Because capacity per room is limited, the mirror rooms are the most heavily visited part of the exhibition. Visitors with a required time slot should therefore ideally visit both Infinity Rooms right at the start of their visit.
Is the €10 surcharge on your Museum Card worth it?
The €10 surcharge for Museum Card holders is definitely worth it, as it grants you access to a specially constructed Infinity Mirror Room and historic loaned works that are rarely seen together. While a regular ticket costs €32.50, this modest additional fee offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience seven decades of iconic art in a single wing.
Those who pay the admission fee will not only see the famous mirror rooms and pumpkins, but will also experience one of the most significant art retrospectives of this decade.
Kusama at the Stedelijk: Practical Information
- Dates & Hours: The exhibition runs from September 11, 2026, through January 17, 2027
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:45 p.m.).
- Prices: €32.50 for adults (including surcharge). Members with a Museumkaart or I amsterdam City Card pay €10.
- Directions: From Amsterdam Central Station, take Tram 2 or Tram 24 directly to the Museumplein stop.
