Louise Bourgeois’s Famous Spider Sculpture to Return to Tate Modern
### Louise Bourgeois’s Iconic Spider Sculpture “Maman” Returns to Tate Modern for its 25th Anniversary
The Tate Modern, one of the UK’s leading contemporary art institutions, is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025 with the iconic return of Louise Bourgeois’s colossal sculpture, *Maman*. This distinctive steel-and-marble arachnid, first unveiled at the museum’s grand opening in 2000, will once again take center stage in London’s Bankside neighborhood, drawing in a new generation of art lovers and continuing its legacy on the global stage.
### The Legacy of *Maman*
French-American artist Louise Bourgeois created *Maman* as an homage to her mother, whom she described as skillful, protective, and nurturing. The spider’s intricate design — standing over 30 feet tall with spindly, towering legs and a pouch filled with marble eggs — is a powerful metaphor for motherhood, resilience, and the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength.
First commissioned for Tate Modern’s now-retired *Unilever Series*, *Maman* made a lasting impression at its debut, occupying the museum’s soaring Turbine Hall. The work was officially acquired by the Tate in 2008 and has since become one of Bourgeois’s most celebrated creations. To date, bronze replicas of *Maman* have toured major cities worldwide — from Ottawa to Tokyo, Bilbao to Kansas City — where they’ve drawn millions of viewers and inspired widespread conversations about its artistic and emotional significance.
### The Return to Tate Modern
*Bourgeois’s spider* will go on display starting May 9, 2025, as part of the institution’s anniversary weekend, a celebration marking a quarter-century since Tate Modern opened its doors to the public. Visitors will witness *Maman* at its debut location, this time alongside a curated showcase of 25 contemporary artworks that reflect the museum’s innovative legacy.
### A Celebration of Contemporary Art
The anniversary program will extend beyond *Maman*, with a wealth of notable pieces exhibited across Tate Modern’s galleries and grounds. Highlights include Mark Rothko’s monumental *Seagram Murals* (1958–59), characterized by their immersive, meditative qualities, and Dorothea Tanning’s surrealist masterpiece, *Eine Kleine Nachtmusik* (1943). These works, representing major movements in 20th-century art, will underscore the museum’s dedication to modern and contemporary artistic dialogue.
The celebration isn’t limited to paintings and sculptures. The event will incorporate film, music, and live performance. Indian artist Nalini Malani’s multi-screen film installation will bring a cinematic experience to the festivities, while Beninese conceptual artist Meschac Gaba will stage interactive tarot readings, blending art with audience engagement to challenge the boundaries of creative expression.
### Tate Modern: A Global Pinnacle of Contemporary Art
Since its opening in 2000, Tate Modern has become one of the United Kingdom’s most visited cultural landmarks, consistently drawing millions of art enthusiasts from all over the world. It forms part of a national network of Tate museums, which also includes Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. In 2019, Tate Modern reached a record high of 6 million visitors, cementing its position as a cornerstone of London’s cultural and tourist offering.
However, like many cultural institutions, the museum faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing a marked drop in attendance. By 2022, visitor numbers had rebounded to over 4.7 million, signaling renewed public interest in engaging with art and culture. The 25th-anniversary exhibition, with the return of *Maman* as its marquee attraction, is expected to propel these numbers further while igniting new conversations about the relevance and impact of contemporary art.
### Celebrating Bourgeois’s Lasting Impact
The return of *Maman* comes at a poignant time in the art world as discussions about memory, identity, and nurturing relationships take center stage in contemporary cultural discourse. Bourgeois’s works persist as powerful explorations of the human condition, addressing deeply personal yet universally relatable themes. *Maman*, in particular, continues to captivate audiences with its ability to evoke awe and introspection simultaneously.
### Looking Ahead to 2025
As the museum prepares for its landmark celebration, the forthcoming exhibition promises to be a milestone not only for Tate Modern but also for global contemporary art. For long-time art lovers, the return of *Maman* to its original home will reawaken memories of its commanding debut. For younger audiences, it will be an opportunity to discover Bourgeois’s masterpiece in one of the world’s most iconic cultural venues.
Tate Modern’s 25th anniversary is more than an institutional commemoration; it’s a reflection of the transformative power of art to inspire, challenge, and connect people. Louise Bourgeois’s *Maman* serves as a striking reminder of this