Artist Itamar Gov's innovative installation, "The Rhinoceros in the Room," has dramatically reimagined the interior of the Kunstmuseum Magdeburg. This monumental inflatable rhinoceros, situated within the museum's medieval nave, challenges conventional museum experiences by transforming the historical space into an immersive environment. The artwork, with its subtle acoustic elements, invites visitors to engage with both the contemporary sculpture and the ancient architecture in an entirely new way.
Artist Itamar Gov's 'The Rhinoceros in the Room' Transforms Magdeburg Museum
From January 27th to July 5th, 2026, the Kunstmuseum Magdeburg in Germany is hosting a remarkable exhibition titled "The Rhinoceros in the Room," conceived by artist Itamar Gov. This expansive inflatable rhinoceros installation completely dominates the central area of the museum, which is housed in a former monastery church. The colossal artwork stretches across the nave, reaching towards the Romanesque vaulted ceilings, making the animal not merely an exhibit but an integral part of the building's spatial condition. Visitors approaching the exhibition navigate through ancient stone arcades and patterned floors before encountering the pale, massive form of the creature. Its presence fragments the familiar architecture, altering sightlines and acoustics, thereby transforming the museum's historic interior into a confined yet captivating environment shaped by the immense sculpture. Gov's rhinoceros, with its matte, light-absorbing surface, appears as a simplified, almost prototype-like volume from a distance, yet reveals intricate folds and features upon closer inspection. Its static, weighty appearance creates a subtle tension within the space, suggesting a latent energy. Adding another layer to the experience, multichannel cello and vocal compositions fill the gallery, guiding visitors' movements and encouraging thoughtful contemplation. This auditory dimension turns the installation into a sculptural as well as an acoustic event. The rhinoceros, a creature rich in European cultural symbolism, particularly since Albrecht Dürer's renowned engraving, carries connotations of power and conquest. Gov skillfully introduces ambivalence, presenting a figure that embodies both strength and vulnerability. Its prehistoric aura, juxtaposed with its contemporary, inflatable form, creates a profound dialogue with the sacred, centuries-old structure of the museum. The sculpture strategically blocks direct views and reconfigures visitor circulation, prompting exploration of the architecture from diverse angles and revealing new interactions between the animal's curves and the sharp lines of the arches.
This thought-provoking installation encourages a deeper appreciation for the interplay between historical contexts and modern artistic expressions. It highlights how art can not only occupy a space but also redefine it, prompting a re-evaluation of our perception of familiar surroundings. The fusion of visual and auditory elements offers a multi-sensory experience, reminding us that art can be felt as much as it is seen.