Joseph Kosuth's neon installation becomes permanent at Milan's Museo del Novecento
The City of Milan has acquired Joseph Kosuth's neon artwork 'Vedere le cose' (2025), which is now displayed on the side facade of the Museo del Novecento. This 28-meter-long piece features a quote from Alberto Savinio's 'Scritti dispersi (1943-1952)': 'The present... prevents us from seeing things in depth.' It is included in the exhibition 'Metafisica/Metafisiche,' which concluded on June 12. Kosuth, who was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1945, has been utilizing neon since the mid-1960s. The installation aligns with the museum's expansion initiative 'Novecentopiùcento,' led by Sonia Calzoni and others, which commenced in May and will enlarge the exhibition area to 6,800 square meters for 27 million euros. Kosuth's solo show in Venice is open until November 22, 2026.
Key facts
- Joseph Kosuth's 'Vedere le cose' is a permanent neon installation on the facade of Museo del Novecento in Milan.
- The work measures 28 meters and quotes Alberto Savinio.
- It was acquired by the City of Milan and originated from the 'Metafisica/Metafisiche' exhibition curated by Vincenzo Trione.
- Kosuth has used neon since the mid-1960s, integrating it with his linguistic conceptual art.
- The museum expansion project 'Novecentopiùcento' began in May 2026 and will last two years.
- The expansion will add 6,800 square meters of exhibition space, a glass bridge, conservation lab, café, bookshop, and auditorium.
- The project costs 27 million euros and is designed by Sonia Calzoni with Park Associati and Studio Project Director.
- Kosuth has a concurrent solo exhibition at Casa dei Tre Oci in Venice until November 22, 2026.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Museo del Novecento
- Comune di Milano
- Galleria Lia Rumma
- Casa dei Tre Oci
- Park Associati
- Studio Project Director
- Studio Marco Bertoli
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Toledo
- Ohio
- Venice
- Piazza del Duomo
- via Marconi
- Palazzo dell'Arengario
- United States
- Naples
- Piazza Duomo