Washington DC, USA

Broken: The Power of the Fragment in Sculpture

13 Mar - 8 Sep, 2026

National Gallery of Art

You’ll find yourself surrounded by sculptures that tell stories through what’s missing rather than what’s whole. This exhibition gathers around 75 fragmented works from ancient times to today, each shaped by history’s wear and tear. It’s a chance to see how broken pieces carry their own kind of strength and beauty, inviting you to think about resilience in a new way. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, or the unexpected, these sculptures offer a fresh perspective on how imperfection can hold meaning. Beyond just looking, the show encourages reflection on loss and preservation, making it more than a typical art display. The fragments reveal layers of cultural heritage and transformation, showing how damage can lead to new stories. You might find yourself noticing details that often go overlooked in complete works. It’s an experience that quietly challenges how you see both art and the passage of time.

More details from the organiser