The article criticizes the growing trend of museums organizing anniversary exhibitions to celebrate the birth or death of famous artists, often male and white. It highlights the current focus on Robert Rauschenberg, born 100 years ago, with nearly 100 organizations worldwide mounting shows, including the Menil Collection and Grey Art Museum. Past examples include multiple exhibitions for James Ensor in 2024 and a double anniversary for Ellsworth Kelly and Pablo Picasso in 2023, with some shows like the Brooklyn Museum's "It's Pablo-matic" receiving widespread criticism.
This trend matters because it reinforces the status quo by celebrating already canonical artists rather than challenging or diversifying art historical narratives. The author compares anniversary exhibitions to legacy admissions in universities, arguing they are arbitrary and serve institutional interests—such as board member support, budget efficiency, and sponsorship from cultural ministries or artist foundations—rather than genuinely serving the public. The piece questions whether there are better ways for museums to engage audiences beyond repeating familiar celebrations.