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Three groundbreaking exhibitions position historic sculptures by Alberto Giacometti with new works by contemporary artists, in an intimate new space.

One of the most significant European sculptors of the 20th century, Giacometti is known for his distinctive, elongated sculptures which experiment with the human form. Responding to the pain and devastation caused by the Second World War, his works proposed a new perspective on humanity and the collective psyche.

Organised in collaboration with the Fondation Giacometti, this year-long series launches in May with an exhibition of works by Huma Bhabha, followed by Mona Hatoum in September and Lynda Benglis in February 2026. Their artworks resonate with and respond to Giacometti’s sculptures, opening up new intergenerational dialogues through the timeless themes of death, fragmentation, the domestic, memory, trauma, the erotic, horror and humour. This is the first time that their sculptures will be seen alongside Giacometti’s works.

Co-organised by the Barbican and the Fondation Giacometti

The Encounters: Giacometti series is realised in partnership with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi; with generous support from Tia Collection, Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a Donor Advised Fund held at The Prism Charitable Trust, Blanca & Sunil Hirani Foundation, and additional support from the Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation.