PHI Foundation
451 Saint-Jean Street
Montréal, Québec H2Y 2R5
July 6, 2022—January 15, 2023
Wednesday to Friday: 12 PM—7 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM—6 PM
Reservations required
Free admission
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Due to the high volume of visitors, we are unable to accept walk-ins. We do not maintain a waiting list.
FULL: Please note that tickets for this exhibition are now gone. The exhibition is full until January 15, 2023.
Please read our frequently asked questions below.
• Certain artworks contain sequences of flashing lights that may cause discomfort for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
• The wearing of masks is no longer mandatory. However, we strongly encourage visitors to keep wearing masks for the continued safety and security of all
• One-way visiting path
• Gel hand sanitizing stations
• A specialized air filtration system
• Cleaning of spaces during opening hours
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19, please postpone your visit.
Before visiting, please review all essential information about the visit, including details on accessibility at the Foundation.
Please note that if you are late, your reservation will be held for a maximum of 15 minutes from the time of your reservation. After this grace period has elapsed, your ticket will no longer be valid.
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In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art is pleased to present Yayoi Kusama: DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE.
Born in Matsumoto, Japan, in 1929, Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular living contemporary artists in the world today. Over the past seven decades, she has created painting, sculpture, installation, drawing, and film, as well as performance, fashion, design, literature, and immersive installations such as her celebrated Infinity Mirrored Rooms. Bolstered by social media and the artist’s acclaim, these works have drawn massive audiences globally over the last ten years. However, beyond the intensive publicity surrounding the installations, Kusama’s practice has consistently engaged with the vastness of the cosmic realm and her—as well as our—place within it: a concept imbued with both disquiet and wonder.
This compact exhibition offers an introduction to Kusama’s artistic universe, with a desire to impart the spiritual and philosophical aspects of her work. Since her early forays into painting, sculpture, and performance, Kusama has long explored the conceptual and formal aspects of phenomenology and immersion in her work. At a time when the digital and virtual have overwhelmed our sensibilities, Kusama’s environments proffer analog experiences that both situate viewers within and beyond our universes. The exhibition in Montréal will present three of her signature bronze pumpkin sculptures in different sizes, two new 'peep-in' mirrored rooms, a grid of her vibrant My Eternal Soul paintings, as well as two striking Infinity Mirrored Rooms. Infinity Mirrored Room - DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE (2019), from which the show takes its title, is filled with hanging light globes that alternate colors before abruptly going dark. The viewer is absorbed into darkness for a moment before the glowing spheres slowly flicker back on, initiating again a cycle akin to life and rebirth.
The exhibition will also include a reading room with a historical timeline of the artist’s life and career. Kusama has made prodigious contributions to the history of art through her work, and she continues to operate as a key figure in contemporary art. At this difficult and turbulent time, compounded by the isolation and uncertainty of the last two years, her body of work facilitates feelings of comfort and peace.
This will be the artist’s first solo exhibition in Québec. We expect that this will be a highly anticipated event for the Montréal and Québec public, as well as a major draw for local and international tourists.
While admission is free, a reservation for timed entry will be required in order to ensure low waiting times and a pleasant passage through the exhibition.
With special thanks to Yayoi Kusama and the team at David Zwirner and Ota Fine Arts.
This exhibition is presented with the support of SDC Vieux-Montréal.
1. Guided Tour Tuesdays
Visit the exhibition with one of our Visitor Experience Coordinators from 12 PM to 2 PM. Reservations are not required, but places are limited to 10 people per visit. First-come, first-served, until capacity is reached. Each visit lasts one (1) hour. The visit will end in the doux soft club’s bleu de lieu installation where the visitors will be able to participate in a short art workshop by Deaf artist Pamela Witcher. The art workshop is only available between 1 PM and 2 PM.
Tuesdays
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6, 13, 20
January 10
12 PM: French guided tour
12:30 PM: English guided tour
1 PM: French guided tour
1:30 PM: English guided tour
2. Corporate Group Visits
The holiday season is fast approaching. Have you planned your team outing? Experience a private after-hours tour of the Yayoi Kusama exhibition, DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE (running until January 15, 2023).
Located on Saint-Jean Street in Old Montréal, the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art offers guided tours for corporate groups to discover Kusama’s work and learn about the PHI Foundation. Your contribution will support the Foundation in its mission to offer free art experiences to the public.
For more information on how to build a custom tour for your group (30 people maximum per hour), with the possibility of organizing a cocktail reception, please contact Jose Garcia: [email protected].
Currently, the exhibition is full until January 15, 2023. We do not maintain a waiting list.
This free exhibition is a compact introduction to Kusama’s work. On average, we recommend planning for about 45 - 60 minutes. Please note however, that Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms that are in the second part of the exhibition are durational works where each visitor has 45 seconds in each of the two rooms on display. At some points throughout the day, line-ups may form, which may add some time to your visit.
Yayoi Kusama has created over twenty Infinity Mirrored Rooms throughout her career. Building on the repetition and accumulation found in her paintings and sculptures, Kusama discovered that she could use mirrors in these rooms to efficiently create the illusion of infinite space. In the exhibition DANCING LIGHTS THAT FLEW UP TO THE UNIVERSE, the PHI Foundation presents two of her Infinity Mirrored Rooms.
An additional ticket isn’t required for children under the age of five.
No, an additional ticket is not required. If you are visiting with a companion, we ask you to write to us at least 24 hours in advance to inform us of your arrival. You can contact us by email [email protected] or by phone: 514 849-3742.
The PHI Foundation offers mediation on site. The exhibition will also have an audio guide available.
Is there on-site parking at the PHI Foundation?
The PHI Foundation does not have parking for visitors, however, you may find paid parking stations nearby. We also suggest you consult the map of parking lots in Old Montréal.
Is there a coat check service on site?
Please note that the Foundation will not be able to accommodate your personal belongings. Please bring only what is necessary. Backpacks will not be permitted.
Is the PHI Foundation accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The PHI Foundation is partially accessible for those with reduced mobility, although additional assistance may be required. Please call us so that we can assist you: 514 849-3742
Can you refund or reschedule your tickets?
No, we do not offer refunds or rescheduling services.
How can I cancel my ticket?
If you have symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if you need to cancel your reservation, please call us as soon as possible to free up your space at 514 225-0525, or email us at [email protected].
What happens if I am late for my check-in time slot?
If you miss your reserved time slot for your visit, please contact us: [email protected] or call us at 514 225-0525.
Is it possible to return more than once with the same ticket?
No, the ticket is valid only for the date and time indicated.
Free
Centre
The PHI Centre showcases a light installation with evolving content, adapting to the seasons and exhibitions
Free
Centre
A monthly gathering of live performances where art comes to life
