Encounters: Giacometti

The Barbican presents three exhibitions that pair 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 forms that explore the human figure. Created in response to the pain and devastation of the Second World War, his sculptures offer 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 works engage with Giacometti’s sculptures, opening up intergenerational dialogues through themes of death, fragmentation, the domestic, memory, trauma, the erotic, horror and humour. This marks the first time their sculptures are shown alongside Giacometti’s.