An exhibition dedicated to Kenny Scharf opens at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza this autumn, bringing the Los Angeles-born artist's paintings, sculpture and immersive colour to the museum's Postpop rooms as part of its programme built around the Blanca and Borja Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection.
What it is
Kenny Scharf, born in Los Angeles in 1958, was a leading figure of New York's East Village art scene in the 1980s alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, under the mentorship of Andy Warhol. He coined the term "pop surrealism" to describe his own style, which mixes pop culture references with fantastical, anthropomorphic figures.
His work spans painting, sculpture, installation, murals, performance and fashion, built around saturated colour and dense, ecstatic compositions that aim for an immersive effect, both intimate and unfamiliar at once. Scharf's inclusion in the 1985 Whitney Biennial marked the start of an international reputation that has continued to grow.
His pieces now sit in the collections of major museums across the United States, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan. This exhibition is staged in the Thyssen's Salas Postpop, on the museum's first floor, alongside the permanent collection.
Why it's worth attending
The exhibition places Scharf's work in direct dialogue with the museum's own Postpop holdings rather than as a standalone show, giving Madrid a rare chance to see a full arc of his career, from his East Village beginnings to his current international standing, without leaving the permanent collection route.
Practical info
General admission covers both the permanent collection and this exhibition, so no separate ticket is needed. Galleries can get busy between 14:00 and 16:00; the quietest hours tend to fall outside that window. Monday access is free thanks to Mastercard sponsorship, with no ticket required.
FAQ
What is the Kenny Scharf exhibition at the Thyssen about?
It's a show dedicated to Los Angeles artist Kenny Scharf, a key figure of New York's 1980s East Village scene alongside Basquiat and Haring. It covers his painting, sculpture and installation work and runs from 29 September 2026 to 17 January 2027 in the museum's Salas Postpop.
How much does it cost to see the Kenny Scharf exhibition?
General admission is €14 and covers both the permanent collection and all temporary exhibitions, including this one. Reduced tickets cost €10 for students, over-65s and pensioners, and Mondays are free thanks to Mastercard sponsorship.
What are the opening hours for the exhibition?
The museum opens Tuesday to Friday and Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00, Saturdays from 10:00 to 21:00, and Mondays from 12:00 to 16:00 with free entry.
Where in the museum is the Kenny Scharf exhibition?
It's shown in the Salas Postpop on the museum's first floor, in the same galleries as the permanent Postpop collection.
Who was Kenny Scharf's mentor?
Andy Warhol mentored Scharf during his time in New York's East Village scene in the 1980s, alongside contemporaries Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.
