From 27 September 2025 to 2 March 2026 | Kunsthal Rotterdam will celebrate Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen with Sculpting the Senses, a retrospective exploring her groundbreaking designs. The exhibition runs.
A tribute to innovation in fashion
Kunsthal Rotterdam will host Sculpting the Senses, a major retrospective showcasing the work of Iris van Herpen, one of the most influential fashion designers of her generation. Opening on 27 September 2025, the exhibition brings together over a hundred of her most iconic creations, highlighting the unique fusion of art, science, and fashion that defines her work.
Van Herpen is renowned for pushing the boundaries of haute couture, creating designs that are as much sculptures as they are wearable garments. By incorporating cutting-edge technology such as 3D printing and collaborations with artists, architects, and scientists, she has redefined the possibilities of fashion.
Highlights of the exhibition
Visitors to Sculpting the Senses will encounter some of Van Herpen’s most famous creations, including designs worn by celebrities such as Björk, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé. The exhibition spans her career, showcasing pieces that illustrate her innovative approach to materiality, form, and movement.
The retrospective also delves into Van Herpen’s creative process, revealing how she draws inspiration from natural phenomena, scientific discoveries, and philosophical concepts. Interactive elements and multimedia installations will further immerse visitors in her world, allowing them to experience the sensory and conceptual depth of her work.
A fusion of art and fashion
Van Herpen’s designs challenge traditional notions of fashion, blurring the lines between art, science, and design. Her work often explores themes such as transformation, interconnectedness, and the limits of the human body. By collaborating with experts in fields ranging from robotics to biology, she creates garments that are not only visually stunning but also intellectually engaging.
An international collaboration
The exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and Maison Iris van Herpen, ensuring a comprehensive and meticulously curated presentation. Kunsthal Rotterdam’s role in hosting this retrospective underscores its commitment to showcasing groundbreaking creativity and innovation.
Visiting Kunsthal Rotterdam
The Sculpting the Senses exhibition will be held in Hall 2 of Kunsthal Rotterdam, located in the Museumpark. Easily accessible by public transport, the Kunsthal is a short walk from Eendrachtsplein metro station. For those travelling by car, parking is available at Museumpark Garage.
The Museumpark area, a vibrant cultural hub in Rotterdam, is home to several other museums, making it an ideal destination for a full day of exploration.
