Five Friends: John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly Group exhibition

Five Friends focuses on a circle of artists who had a decisive influence on post-war art in the fields of dance, drawing, music, painting, and sculpture. John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and Cy Twombly created a special connection between the artistic genres and media through their intimate exchange. With more than 150 works of art, scores, stage props, costumes, photographs, and archival materials, the joint exhibition by Museum Brandhorst and Museum Ludwig provides insight into the interplay between the five artists.

The exhibition is based on the unique collections of both museums. Museum Ludwig has the most extensive Pop Art collection outside of the United States and owns key works by Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg, while Museum Brandhorst houses a comprehensive collection of Cy Twombly’s works. In addition to the exhibition, site specific music and dance programs will focus on the works of John Cage and Merce Cunningham.

The exhibition will travel to Museum Ludwig, Cologne from 3 October 2025 – 11 January 2026

Throughout the Centennial year and beyond, exhibitions around the world will present tributes to Robert Rauschenberg (1925–2008). By opening up the artist’s legacy to present-day interpretation, the Centennial embraces different understandings, forges cross-disciplinary connections, and creates opportunities for critical exchange.