About
Yoshitomo Nara's first major New York solo in nearly a decade fills two Zwirner buildings with new paintings, sculptures and early works.
Nara's big-headed, wide-eyed figures are among the most recognizable images in contemporary art, and this is the first time in nearly a decade that New York gets them at full strength, across two buildings and four decades of work. The early pieces he chose himself trace the line back to a solitary childhood in rural northern Japan. If you only have one late-October gallery stop in you, make it this one.
What to expect
Two adjacent Chelsea buildings, so budget the walk between 19th and 20th Streets. Inside, new large-scale paintings and drawings hang alongside recent sculpture and a selection of early works chosen by the artist. Expect a line at the door in the opening weeks; this is the rare commercial gallery show that draws a museum-sized crowd.
Good to know
- Nearest trains: C or E to 23rd St, or the 1 to 18th St, then walk west
- It opens very late in the autumn gallery season, so check before a special trip
- Go on a weekday if you can; opening weekends here get genuinely packed
- Both buildings enter from the street; confirm step-free access with the gallery beforehand
- Good for teenagers and anyone who knows Nara from album covers and prints
- Photography of the work is generally allowed; ask the front desk first
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Is admission free?
Yes. David Zwirner's New York galleries are open to the public without an admission ticket.
Does the exhibition use two buildings?
Yes. The presentation spans 533 West 19th Street and 537 West 20th Street in Chelsea.
What work is included?
The gallery describes new paintings, drawings, and sculpture alongside a selection of earlier work.
How long is the exhibition open?
The exhibition runs from Thursday, October 29 through Saturday, December 12, 2026.