The Smithsonian American Art Museum will debut "Nick Cave: Mammoth," a monumental new commission by artist Nick Cave, in February 2026. This marks Cave's first solo exhibition in Washington, D.C., and represents the museum's largest-ever commission by a single artist. The installation combines sculpture, video, and found objects, drawing on Cave's childhood in Chariton County, Missouri, and exploring themes of family history, landscapes, and craft traditions. The exhibition will be on view from February 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, and is organized by curator Sarah Newman.
This commission is significant because it underscores the Smithsonian American Art Museum's commitment to presenting artists whose work engages with the American experience. "Mammoth" is Cave's most personal project to date, transforming everyday objects into immersive environments that invite reflection on memory, nature, and cultural inheritance. As the museum's largest single-artist commission, it highlights the institution's support for contemporary art and its dialogue with the broader sweep of American art history.