Yayoi Kusama's Iconic Pumpkin Infinity Room Returns to Dallas Museum of Art

Update, 8/4/25: The viral "Return to Infinity" pumpkin installation has been added to the Dallas Museum of Art's First Free Sundays programming lineup. On Sunday, September 7 and Sunday, October, 5, you can experience the mirrored "infinity room" for free. Set your reminders, though, because tickets will only be available on-site at the DMA on each of the dates from 11:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on a first come, first-served basis. 

Original article below:

“All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” one of Yayoi Kusama’s iconic “infinity room” installations, will be displayed at the Dallas Museum of Art for the first time since 2018, starting May 7.

The immersive exhibition at the DMA, titled Yayoi Kusama: Return to Infinity, envelopes the viewer in a tangible display of art history. Kusama hails from the mythic '60s art scene. She displayed her work alongside Andy Warhol, collaborated with famed minimalist Donald Judd, and marched against the Vietnam War. Her impact also extends to the fashion world, where she’s known for colorful collaborations with Louis Vuitton.

“Pumpkins,” created in 1991, incorporates many themes characteristic of Kusama’s work: infinity, the sublime, and obsessive repetition. And, of course, pumpkins — so many pumpkins.

The humble fruit has been glorified in Kusama’s art since her childhood in rural Japan, and this work manages to fit an endless field of them in a 13x13 space with the help of some well-placed mirrors. This kind of infinity room, pioneered by Kusama, has become a staple at Instagram-friendly immersive installations, but the presence of one of her originals still inspires awe.

This was apparent at a preview for “Pumpkins” held on May 1. Donors, museum staff, and members of the press gushed at the opportunity to stand among the glowing yellow gourds. Many had seen the piece during its original DMA display years ago and spoke of the experience as if it were spiritual. One attendee told us that she had taken her son the first time but was eager to take him again "now that he’s old enough to appreciate it."

All of this anticipation is for an experience that’s only 45 seconds long. According to the DMA, this quick duration is the way it was meant to be experienced, but it’s also logistically convenient. “Pumpkins” will be in high demand and short supply as only two people can stand inside the installation at a time. Tickets will only be good for a specific date and time to ensure that all guests get a chance to experience the room the way Kusama intended.
While viewers are allowed to take photos with phones or small cameras, they’re also strongly encouraged to be present with their short window of time.

“There’s no wrong way to experience the infinity room,” said Dr. Vivien Li, Curator of Contemporary Art for DMA, in her address to the preview crowd. “It might feel joyful or fun. It might feel surreal or deeply introspective. But in your precious 45 seconds, I encourage you to look not just with your camera, but with your eyes.”

We wholeheartedly second Li’s advice. The illusion of repetition in “Pumpkins” plays a similar trick on the mind, expanding your 45 seconds and making it feel much more satisfying than it looks on paper. The viewer becomes part of Kusama’s world, making whoever is in the reflection feel like one of the pumpkins. You’ll carry that sense of connection and your own version of an eternal love of pumpkins long after your 45 seconds are up.
In addition to this mind-bending experience, the DMA offers a specialty menu at its cafe for a limited time. New menu items like the brisket ramen bowl and mochi ice cream draw inspiration from Kusama’s native Japan while the pumpkin and kabocha squash bisque answers the question of what installation would taste like if the pumpkins were edible. The gift shop is also stocked with Kusama-themed goodies to take a piece of the experience home to your own museum.

Yayoi Kusama: Return to Infinity will be displayed at the Dallas Museum of Art from May 7, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026. Viewings can be scheduled on the DMA’s website.