Jeff Koons’s Split-Rocker Blossoms at LACMA: A Whimsical Wonderland for Families in LA!
- Angela Cantoni
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
If you're on the hunt for a new, jaw-dropping, totally Instagrammable family adventure in Los Angeles, brace yourself—because Jeff Koons’s Split-Rocker is coming to LACMA, and it’s about to blow your flowery socks off. Imagine a 37-foot-tall sculpture made of over 50,000 real, blooming plants... that also looks like a mash-up of a toy pony and a dinosaur. Yep. Welcome to LA’s next big thing!

What is Split-Rocker and Why Is It a Big Deal?
A Floral Giant in the Heart of LA
Think of Split-Rocker as the Disneyland castle of public art—but for art-loving families and flower fans. It’s not just a sculpture, it’s a living sculpture. We're talking 50,000+ flowers blooming across a towering, cartoonish creature that’s sure to delight both toddlers and teenagers (and honestly, us grown-ups too).
Combining Art, Nature, and Imagination
Created by contemporary artist Jeff Koons, Split-Rocker fuses playfulness with high art. It's part toy, part topiary, and all whimsy. This is the kind of magical art piece that feels plucked right out of a storybook and plopped in the middle of Wilshire Boulevard.
The Koons Signature: Playful Meets Profound
Koons is known for creating sculptures that mix everyday objects with larger-than-life ideas—and Split-Rocker is no exception. It's got the innocence of a kid’s toy, the grandeur of a European garden, and the brains of a serious art piece. Basically, it’s art with layers—like a very fancy onion made of flowers.
Where and When to See Split-Rocker
Location Details: LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries Park
You’ll find Split-Rocker right across from LACMA’s main building, nestled in the fresh green spaces created by the elevated design of the new David Geffen Galleries.
📍 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Installation Date: Late 2025
Mark your calendars and start charging your phone now—because this beauty is set to be installed and open to the public in late 2025, just ahead of the grand opening of the new LACMA campus in 2026.
Perfect for Pedestrians, Passersby, and Art Lovers
Driving down Wilshire? Walking to the La Brea Tar Pits? Split-Rocker will greet you like a giant floral smile. You won’t be able to miss it—literally.
How Big is This Thing?!
The Stats: 37 Feet Tall, Over 50,000 Flowers
Imagine something taller than a three-story building, bursting with a rainbow of living blooms. That’s Split-Rocker. It’s enormous. It’s wild. It’s alive.
Designed for Southern California’s Climate
LACMA’s version will feature drought-tolerant plants specially selected to thrive in our SoCal sunshine. Think of it as a sustainable sculpture that’s as smart as it is stunning.
Living Art That Evolves with the Seasons
This isn’t your typical static sculpture. Split-Rocker will change with the seasons—new flowers, new colors, new vibes. It’s like visiting a new exhibit every time you go!
The Artistic Magic Behind the Sculpture
Inspired by Children’s Toys (Yes, Really!)
Koons based the piece on toy rockers—a pony and a dino to be exact. He literally split their heads and fused them together into a surreal, asymmetrical creation. Totally bonkers. Totally brilliant.
A Mix of Pony and Dinosaur Heads
The resulting form is a quirky, Cubist-like face that’s one-part pony, one-part prehistoric beast, and 100% magical.
European Garden Meets Cubist Mash-Up
Split-Rocker is rooted (pun intended!) in the tradition of European topiary art but turned up to 11. It’s like Versailles meets Legoland—with a dash of Dr. Seuss.
A Family Day Out at LACMA Just Got Even Better
Make It a Day Trip with the Kids
Come for the Split-Rocker, stay for the art! LACMA’s always been a family favorite, and this addition makes it even more irresistible.
What Else to See and Do Nearby
You’ve got the La Brea Tar Pits next door, the Petersen Automotive Museum across the street, and more food trucks than you can shake a churro at.
Pack a Picnic, Snap a Pic!
The open park space is perfect for a picnic, and let’s be honest—your Instagram feed needs a Split-Rocker selfie.
Educational & Creative Inspiration for All Ages
Spark Kids’ Imagination with Living Art
This is art that kids can connect with. It’s colorful, fun, and opens up all kinds of questions: How does it grow? What flowers are those? Can we make our own version at home?
Great for Homeschool Field Trips & Creative Lessons
Homeschoolers, take note: this is an art-meets-science field trip dream come true.
Photo Ops and Social Media Fun
Split-Rocker = Instant content. Bring your cameras, your kids, and your cutest floral outfits.
Accessibility and Parking Tips
LACMA offers parking on site, and the sculpture is fully accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.
Conclusion: Bloom into a World of Wonder
Jeff Koons’s Split-Rocker is more than just a sculpture—it’s a joyful celebration of nature, childhood, and creativity. It invites everyone—from wide-eyed toddlers to seasoned art lovers—to slow down, look closer, and smile. So when it opens in late 2025, grab your kids, your camera, and your sense of wonder—and go say hi to LA’s newest floral friend.
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OMG, this Split-Rocker thing sounds insane! 37 feet of flowers shaped like...that? LACMA is about to be on a whole new level, devilishly cool art for the 'gram! Can't wait for 2025! level devil 3
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