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Cross-genre art from 7 decades
This spring, Berlin's Gropius Bau invites you on an imaginative journey through the life and works of Yoko Ono, one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of our time.
Image gallery
Yoko Ono_Half a Room
YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND, running from 11 April to 31 August 2025, is a retrospective of Ono's seven-decade-long multidisciplinary career. Featuring over 200 works, from her famous instruction pieces to interactive installations, films, music and photographs, the exhibition offers an intimate look into Ono's radical approach to art, language and activism.
YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND at a glance
Organised by Tate Modern in collaboration with Gropius Bau and the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, MUSIC OF THE MIND spans the breadth of Ono's creative career, from her early experimental works in the 1950s to her recent large-scale installations.
Curated by Patrizia Dander and Juliet Bingham, the exhibition celebrates Ono's signature style: conceptual and participatory art that blurs the boundaries between the artist and the audience. Her works challenge traditional art conventions, inspiring visitors to engage and even co-create.
The exhibit unfolds in a roughly chronological sequence, tracing recurring themes like peace, community and transformation. Signature pieces such as Half a Room demonstrate her playful yet profound examination of human experiences. Visitors will also encounter Ono's iconic Wish Tree, where they can leave personal messages, embodying Ono's belief in art as a force for change.
YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND Highlights
Artistic evolution: Over 200 works reveal the evolution of Ono's artistic vision, offering insights into her shifting perspectives and ongoing commitment to activism.
Avant-garde film: Watch Film No.4 (Bottoms), a provocative exploration of the human form through unconventional close-ups of walking bodies.
Interactive experiences: Engage with participatory artworks, such as the Wish Tree, where visitors can write and attach their wishes for peace.
Thought-provoking installations: Experience Half a Room, an installation featuring bisected objects that playfully examine ideas of wholeness and fragmentation.
Historic venue: The Gropius Bau, a 19th-century architectural gem, provides the perfect setting, merging Berlin's artistic heritage with Ono's contemporary vision.
Discover YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND
Yoko Ono is a visionary who has redefined the boundaries of contemporary art and activism. Born in Tokyo in 1933, Ono became a central figure in the 1960s Fluxus movement and an icon of conceptual art. Her works, often minimalist in execution but monumental in meaning, challenge audiences to rethink the world and their place within it.
Ono's activism, rooted in her art, calls for global peace and solidarity. Works like Cut Piece encourage reflection on themes of vulnerability, trust and collective action. Grapefruit, her seminal book of instruction works, epitomises her approach: art as an act of imagination and shared humanity.
Top tips for Berlin YOKO ONO: MUSIC OF THE MIND
- Gropius Bau is fully accessible, with lifts and accessible restrooms available.
- Located near Potsdamer Platz, the venue is easily reachable by underground (line U2), S-Bahn (S1, S2, S25), or bus (M41, M29).
- BAUBAU, a play area for children, is free and open until 6 pm, making it a great option for families.
- The exhibition's accompanying catalogue provides a more detailed look into Ono's art, featuring essays, interviews and stunning visuals.
- Take a stroll to nearby landmarks like the Berlin Wall Memorial on Niederkirchnerstraße before or after the exhibition.
Additional information
Price info: BAUBAU: A Play Space for Kids is accessible free of charge.
Price: €9.00
Reduced price: €6.00
Accessibility
The Gropius Bau is barrier-free
