A New Permanent Site-specific Installation
Milan welcomes a remarkable new work by Joseph Kosuth, one of the leading figures of international contemporary art. The American artist has created Vedere le cose (Seeing Things, 2025), a permanent site-specific installation that illuminates the side façade of the Museo del Novecento on Via Marconi. The work transforms the urban landscape into a space for reflection through a luminous text inspired by the writings of Alberto Savinio and exploring the relationship between language, time, and perception.
For more than five decades, Joseph Kosuth has used neon as one of the defining elements of his artistic practice. Since the 1960s, the artist has investigated language as the very substance of the artwork, becoming one of the pioneers of conceptual art. Alongside the Milan installation, Kosuth is also the subject of a major exhibition at the Casa dei Tre Oci in Venice, reaffirming his central role in the development of contemporary art.
“Vedere le cose”: Joseph Kosuth’s New Installation at the Museo del Novecento
The installation Vedere le cose has officially entered the permanent collection of the Museo del Novecento. Stretching approximately 28 metres along the museum’s side façade, the work features a quotation from Alberto Savinio’s Scritti dispersi (1943–1952):
“The present, which is to time what the façade is to space, prevents us from seeing things in depth.”
Through these words, Joseph Kosuth encourages viewers to look beyond appearances and seek a deeper understanding of reality. The illuminated text interacts with the architecture of Milan, becoming a striking landmark that comes to life every evening in the heart of the city.
The installation was originally conceived as part of Metafisica/Metafisiche, the city-wide exhibition curated by Vincenzo Trione, which explored the lasting influence of metaphysical vision from the early twentieth century to contemporary artistic practices. Although the exhibition has ended, Joseph Kosuth’s work remains as a permanent public artwork, strengthening the relationship between the museum and the urban environment.
The installation also carries symbolic significance as the Museo del Novecento prepares for its future expansion. According to Milan’s Councillor for Culture, Tommaso Sacchi, the artwork acts as an ideal bridge toward the museum’s second Arengario building, which will further extend its spaces dedicated to contemporary art.
Portrait of Joseph Kosuth by Peter Lindbergh.
Courtesy of Lia Rumma Gallery.
The Future Expansion of the Museo del Novecento
Joseph Kosuth’s installation coincides with the launch of Novecentopiùcento, the ambitious expansion project for the Museo del Novecento. Construction began in 2026 and includes the restoration of the second Arengario tower together with the creation of a suspended glass walkway linking the two buildings overlooking Piazza Duomo.
Designed by Sonia Calzoni in collaboration with Park Associati and Studio Project Director, the project will expand the museum’s exhibition space to approximately 6,800 square metres. The new wing will showcase works ranging from the 1980s to the latest developments in contemporary art, while also introducing a conservation laboratory, a 120-seat auditorium, a bookshop, and a café.
With Vedere le cose, Joseph Kosuth leaves a lasting mark on Milan. The installation combines language, light, and philosophical reflection, reaffirming the artist’s enduring influence on contemporary art while accompanying the Museo del Novecento into a new chapter of its history.
Joseph Kosuth, Vedere le cose, Museo del Novecento, Milano. Courtesy Galleria Lia Rumma, Milano/Napoli. Photo Studio Marco Bertoli
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