Robert Rauschenberg’s New York: Pictures from the Real World Solo exhibition celebrating Rauschenberg's centennial

Robert Rauschenberg’s artistic practice revolved around integrating “the real world” into his art, and he famously stated, “I want a picture to look like something it is.” This vision led him to incorporate found objects and photographs ranging from taxidermied animals to newspaper clippings into his work. In 2025, the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) will celebrate Rauschenberg’s centennial with Robert Rauschenberg’s New York: Pictures from the Real World, an exhibition that explores Rauschenberg’s complex relationship with photography, particularly in the context of New York City. The exhibition will feature three sections: “Early Photographs,” “In + Out City Limits / New York,” and “Photography in Painting.” An interactive collage component invites visitors to engage with Rauschenberg’s innovative approach to image making. A companion book published by MCNY and Giles Ltd. will complement the exhibition.

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.