A giant bronze spider, considered among Tate Modern’s most iconic sculptures, will return to the gallery for its 25th birthday.
Maman, by Louise Bourgeois, was the first work to greet visitors to the Turbine Hall when the gallery opened in 2000.
The ten-metre-tall sculpture will loom over the public from May.
Maman will be the starting point of a new trail of 25 key works installed around Tate Modern.
These will include other much-loved classics returning to the gallery, such as Mark Rothko’s Seagram murals, which will be coming back from their current display at Tate St Ives.
Dorothea Tanning’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, arriving from a major Surrealism exhibition in Paris, is another hotly anticipated returnee.
The trail will also highlight contemporary works involving film, music, and performance.
There will be an immersive multi-screen film installation by Nalini Malani and a series of live tarot readings staged as part of an installation by Meschac Gaba.
Catherine Wood, Tate Modern’s Director of Programme, said: “We wanted to celebrate our 25th anniversary with a capsule collection of 25 key works, which will lead visitors around the whole building on a journey from old favourites to new discoveries.
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“The selection showcases how art – and Tate Modern itself – has always pushed the boundaries and challenged norms, ultimately letting us all see the world through new eyes.”
The spider’s return is just one part of Tate’s birthday celebrations.
From May 9 to 12, visitors can expect live music and performances, pop-up talks and tours, stretching through day and night.
There will also be a drop-in making studio as part of UNIQLO Tate Play, and special food and drink offers, all taking inspiration from Tate Modern’s free collection.
