August 2, 2025–February 8, 2026
Experience the powerful sculptures of Eduardo Chillida (1924–2002) in this exhibition marking the one-hundred-year anniversary of his birth. A visionary artist, Chillida’s body of work is closely linked to the landscape and traditions of his Basque Country homeland in northern Spain and frequently invokes the earth, sea, wind, and light, as well as his inspirations from music, philosophy, and architecture. The most comprehensive survey of Chillida’s work in North America in nearly half a century, the exhibition encompasses the full range of the artist’s practice, including early forged iron sculptures, massive structures made from oak, glowing sculptures cut from alabaster, solid clay forms, and works on paper. Each of these creations are points of convergence where myriad forces, including nature and culture, material and immaterial, form and void, all meet.
A highlight of the exhibition is an immersive five-minute virtual reality experience of Comb of the Wind XV, (1977), Chillida’s renowned site-specific installation on the rocky bluffs of La Concha Bay in San Sebastián, Spain. Visitors are transported to the meeting point of steel, sea, and sky, where the dynamic forces that define Chillida’s work are brought vividly to life. Featuring 360-degree visuals, ambient soundscapes of waves and wind, and a custom-crafted scent developed to capture the salty sea against Corten steel, this multi-sensory experience underscores Chillida’s commitment to engaging all the senses.
Due to the logistics and staffing necessary for this component of the special exhibition, there is an additional $5 charge for nonmembers to experience the VR Comb of the Wind. The VR experience has timed ticketing with limited availability. Purchasing VR tickets in advance is encouraged. Museum admission sold separately.
Eduardo Chillida: Convergence is accompanied by an exhibition catalogue highlighting the artist’s contributions through a multidisciplinary lens, with contributors including exhibition curator, Rachel Jans; the artist’s grandson, Mikel Chillida; philosophy professor Ana María Rabe; conductor Gustavo Gimeno; and world-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster.
In collaboration with Chillida Leku and the Estate of Eduardo Chillida.
Funding for this exhibition is made possible by Anonymous, Toni Bloomberg, Lani and Joe Curtis, Lisa Hellerich, Eileen and Robert Hunt, and Zoraida and Gary Payne. Additional support is provided by Scott Bruckner, Vivian Cavan, Sandra Chanis, Arlene J. Esgate, Mell and Kieran Gallahue, Lee Goldberg in memory of Donald Cohn, Beth Goodman, Ann Clare Kessler in memory of Armin M. Kessler, Jaimi Lomas, the Lowenberg Family, Gay McDonald, Micki Olin and Reid Abrams, Yolanda Orrantia, Mary Ann and David Petree, Laura Ramsey, Nancy J. Robertson, Tanya Young and Dr. Michael McManus, the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, and the members of The San Diego Museum of Art.
This exhibition is possible only with financial support from our members, donors, and community. Please consider supporting Eduardo ChilIida: Convergence by becoming an exhibition sponsor today.
Featured at top right: Eduardo Chillida, Comb of the Wind XV (Peine del viento XV), 1976. Courtesy the Estate of Eduardo Chillida and Hauser & Wirth. Photographer: Iñigo Santiago © Zabalaga Leku, ARS, San Diego, 2025. Courtesy the Estate of Eduardo Chillida and Hauser & Wirth.
