SFMOMA has recently undergone some major changes, unveiling its newest rendition of the Fisher Collection this April. In May, the museum will debut an exciting new exhibit that focuses on an iconic Matisse painting.
The exhibit, Matisse’s Femme au chapeau: A Modern Scandal, focuses on the iconic painting, which was Femma au chapeau, which was a major shock when it was first exhibited in 1905. The painting features Matisse’s wife and is recognized as the leading piece in the avant-garde artistic movement called Fauvism.
The painting is in SFMOMA’s permanent collection, but the new exhibition will allow viewers to dive into the controversy it caused and learn about the artistic movements of the time.
“Part of our vision at SFMOMA is to encourage our visitors to see the world—and art—in new ways. Matisse’s Femme au chapeau has long been a cornerstone of SFMOMA’s collection; through this exhibition we are able to consider the initial shock and enduring impact of this remarkable artwork through a range of different perspectives,” said Christopher Bedford, Helen and Charles Schwab Director of SFMOMA. “With stunning paintings by Matisse and his peers, as well as work by some of the most exceptional artists working today, this exhibition promises to captivate SFMOMA visitors this spring.”
The unique exhibition will recreate the original Parisian Salon where the painting debuted 120 years ago. Femme au chapeau will be surrounded by works from 10 other artists who were featured in the original presentation. The exhibit will explore several aspects of the painting, including the model herself and how artists have reacted to the work over the years.
The new exhibition is set to open on May 16, 2026. The following day, on May 17, the museum will host a whimsical hat party, inviting viewers to craft a creative hat.
You can learn more and book museum tickets here.
