Robert Rauschenberg Sculptures Join ARTIST ROOMS Collection in Major Gift Celebrating the Artist’s Legacy

Three important sculptures by one of the most influential artists of the post-war era have been donated to ARTIST ROOMS, giving audiences across the UK the chance to experience Robert Rauschenberg’s groundbreaking work for years to come.

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation has gifted three sculptures from the artist’s celebrated Gluts series to the ARTIST ROOMS collection, which is jointly shared by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland. The collection supports free touring exhibitions in museums and galleries across the UK, helping bring major works of modern and contemporary art to communities nationwide.

The newly donated sculptures, G-I Glut (1986), Rasputin’s Revenge Early Winter Glut (1987), and Mobile Cluster Glut (Neapolitan) (1987), will make their first public appearance as part of a major new free display at Tate Modern from 20 September 2026 until the end of 2027. The exhibition celebrates 100 years since Rauschenberg’s birth and will explore the artist’s remarkable career through more than 25 works, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and his experimental kinetic and light pieces.

Known for challenging the traditional boundaries of art, Rauschenberg transformed everyday objects into powerful works of creativity. Throughout his career, he incorporated items such as newspaper clippings, Coca-Cola signs, and household objects into his pieces, creating work that reflected the world around him.

The Gluts sculptures were created from salvaged scrap metal and were inspired by the abandoned petrol stations, vehicles, and industrial remains found across the Texan landscape following the 1980s oil surplus. Through these works, Rauschenberg explored ideas around consumerism, waste, and society’s relationship with material possessions. He described the series as a way of exposing the problems of excess and encouraging people to reconsider what they value.

The new Tate Modern display will also include rare film footage documenting Rauschenberg’s performances and collaborations with influential choreographers including Merce Cunningham and Trisha Brown. The exhibition continues Tate’s long relationship with the artist, which began with the acquisition of a silkscreen painting in 1969 and continued with a major retrospective in 2016.

Gregor Muir, Tate’s Director of Collection, said the donation was an extraordinary gift that would allow Rauschenberg’s work to reach wider audiences through both Tate and ARTIST ROOMS exhibitions across the country.

Venda Pollock, Director of Collections & Research at the National Galleries of Scotland, highlighted how the Gluts remain deeply relevant today, reflecting ongoing conversations around consumption, industry, and environmental change. She said the sculptures would strengthen ARTIST ROOMS and help inspire future generations.

Courtney J. Martin, Executive Director of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, said the donation reflects the artist’s belief in collaboration, generosity, and sharing art with new audiences. The gift continues the Foundation’s mission to extend Rauschenberg’s impact beyond his lifetime.