Jeff Koons, Split-Rocker made from flowers. Image: Laurent Lecat. Courtesy of the artist.

LACMA installs Jeff Koons Split-Rocker, a colossal floral sculpture gifted by the Resnicks. See how this 37-foot piece reshapes LA’s art landscape.

BY ARTCENTRON NEWS STAFF

One of the most iconic Jeff Koons sculptures—the 37-foot-tall Split-Rocker—has arrived at its new permanent home: the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Gifted by philanthropists Lynda and Stewart Resnick, this monumental floral sculpture will anchor the museum’s newly expanded David Geffen Galleries and boost the city’s reputation for groundbreaking public art in Los Angeles.

What Is Jeff Koons’ Split-Rocker Sculpture?

Split-Rocker is a whimsical fusion of two classic toys—a rocking horse and a dinosaur—crafted into a monumental, cartoonish head. Covered in over 50,000 drought-tolerant flowers, the sculpture’s metal skeleton supports native California succulents, perennials, and blooms that will change with the seasons.

Koons and LACMA worked with local horticulturalists to ensure the plantings could thrive in Southern California’s dry climate. Seeding of  the flower installation will take place this summer, with full bloom expected by next spring.

LACMA’s Monumental Sculpture Collection Grows

Adding Koons’ Split-Rocker to LACMA’s sculpture garden is part of Director Michael Govan’s long-term plan to strengthen the museum’s outdoor public art presence. The sculpture will join major works like Chris Burden’s Urban Light and Tony Smith’s Smoke, reinforcing LACMA’s role as a hub for monumental contemporary sculptures.

This installation also represents a second chance for LACMA.  A previous attempt to feature another large-scale Koons piece —a 70-foot steam train suspended from a crane— did go well. The project never materialized due to its estimated $25 million cost.

Resnicks’ Ongoing Support for LACMA

Lynda and Stewart Resnick’s donation of Split-Rocker is just one example of their significant philanthropy. The Resnick Pavilion at LACMA was named in recognition of their $45 million gift. In 2023 alone, their charitable foundation contributed $16 million to the museum. According to their tax filings, the Split-Rocker sculpture has a value of approximately $9.6 million.

Beyond the arts, the Resnicks have pledged over $750 million to Caltech for climate research. However, they’ve also faced criticism from climate activists due to water use policies tied to their agricultural empire, which generates $4 billion in annual revenue. Protesters even targeted LACMA’s 2023 gala in response to their support for water privatization.

Jeff Koons’ Split-Rocker: The Future of Public Art at LACMA

The installation of Jeff Koons’ Split-Rocker at LACMA marks a major milestone for the museum’s newly expanded campus. Designed by architect Peter Zumthor, the David Geffen Galleries now span 3.5 acres across Wilshire Boulevard. The galleries are set to host a diverse collection of art from LACMA’s permanent holdings.

Additional artists whose works will be on display include Diana Thater, Mariana Castillo Deball, Liz Glynn, and Pedro Reyes. Meanwhile, summer programming kicks off  in late June with performances by Kamasi Washington. Additionally, there be a performance by a 100-person ensemble, inside the Geffen Galleries.

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