The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will soon unveil Split-Rocker, a 37-foot-tall floral sculpture by Jeff Koons. Set to open in 2026, the piece will anchor LACMA’s new public art programme outside the David Geffen Galleries.
The sculpture, a gift from art patrons Lynda and Stewart Resnick, combines parts of a child’s rocking horse and a dinosaur toy. The playful design reflects Koons’ interest in nostalgia and pop culture. Previously showcased at Versailles and Rockefeller Center, Split-Rocker will now find a permanent home in Los Angeles.
Built with a steel frame, the sculpture will bloom with over 50,000 live plants. These include native succulents, annuals, and drought-tolerant flowers suited to Southern California’s climate. Koons and LACMA worked closely with local horticulturists to ensure the plants thrive year-round.
The David Geffen Galleries, designed by Peter Zumthor, will span 3.5 acres. This new campus includes both indoor and outdoor areas and will house LACMA’s permanent collection. Other featured artists will include Diana Thater, Mariana Castillo Deball, Liz Glynn, and Pedro Reyes.
Installation for Split-Rocker will begin later this summer. The full floral display is expected to bloom by April 2026. To kick off the new space, musician Kamasi Washington will lead a 100-member ensemble performance inside the Geffen Galleries from June 26 to 28.
For updates on programming and tickets, visit lacma.org.