A historic moment for Broward County & South Florida's arts community is unfolding as NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale announces its designation as the official home of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands Documentation Exhibition. Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, the museum will debut its first exhibition of this monumental gift in February, offering a deep dive into one of the most legendary environmental art projects ever realized.
The Legacy of Surrounded Islands
Back in 1983, Surrounded Islands transformed Biscayne Bay with a breathtaking vision—11 uninhabited islands wrapped in 6.5 million square feet of radiant pink fabric, creating a striking contrast against Miami’s turquoise waters. The project, conceptualized and funded by Christo and Jeanne-Claude themselves, was more than just a visual spectacle. It was a statement about the relationship between nature, art, and urban environments, one that continues to influence artists, environmentalists, and city planners alike.
Fast forward to today, and NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale has been chosen to house the definitive documentation of this groundbreaking project. This exhibition will include over 43 preparatory drawings, collages, and photo murals, alongside rare engineering surveys, permits, correspondence, and original fabric sections—offering an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at the making of Surrounded Islands.
A Cultural Milestone for Fort Lauderdale
“This exhibition is a powerful reminder of how art can shape communities, spark creativity, and connect us to our shared history,” says Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward. “Thanks to the generosity of our fundholders, we’re ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and essential part of Broward’s future.”
For Fort Lauderdale, this acquisition is a defining moment. The city joins an elite roster of institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Centre Pompidou in Paris—both of which house significant Christo and Jeanne-Claude documentation exhibitions. As Mayor Dean J. Trantalis notes, “A gift of this caliber positions Fort Lauderdale as a premier arts destination, giving residents and visitors alike a world-class cultural experience.”
More Than Just an Exhibition
Beyond its artistic value, the Surrounded Islands Documentation Exhibition offers a unique educational opportunity. NSU students, faculty, and the wider South Florida community will gain insight into the environmental, logistical, and artistic complexities that made the project possible. The documentation itself serves as a testament to the artists’ meticulous approach, demonstrating how they navigated everything from governmental approvals to ecological considerations, ensuring the installation’s sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
“For Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the ephemeral nature of their projects was part of the magic,” says Karin J. Barkhorn, President of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation. “But through this documentation, their work becomes permanent in the minds and hearts of those who experience it.”
Celebrating a Monumental Legacy
The timing of this exhibition couldn’t be more fitting. In 2025, the art world will commemorate multiple milestones in Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s career, including the 20th anniversary of The Gates in Central Park and the 40th anniversary of The Pont Neuf Wrapped in Paris. As part of these celebrations, the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale will showcase Surrounded Islands in a way that cements its place in contemporary art history.
For those who were lucky enough to witness Surrounded Islands in person, this exhibition will be a nostalgic journey back to one of Miami’s most significant cultural moments. For younger generations, it’s a chance to experience an artwork that changed the way the world views public and environmental art.
With Surrounded Islands now permanently part of NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, South Florida is officially home to an enduring piece of art history. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the transformative power of creativity, this is one exhibition you won’t want to miss.
Upcoming Events and Cultural Significance
This landmark exhibition will be accompanied by a series of special events, allowing visitors to immerse themselves further in the world of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Mark your calendars for:
Pink Day! - First Public Viewing of Surrounded Islands Documentation Exhibition -Sunday, February 23 - Be among the first to experience this extraordinary exhibition in its new permanent home.
Conversation with Dr. Jonathan Fineberg & Bonnie Clearwater - Sunday, February 23 at 2:30 p.m. - Renowned scholar Dr. Fineberg will discuss the impact of Surrounded Islands and Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s artistic legacy.
Members Opening Reception - Saturday, February 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - An exclusive opportunity for museum members to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Dr. Rocky Ruggiero Lecture: Art and Power - Public Art in the Italian Renaissance - Saturday, February 22 at 4:00 p.m. - Explore the historical significance of public art and its parallels to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work.
By hosting this exhibition, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is solidifying its role as a key cultural institution in Broward County. It not only preserves the legacy of Surrounded Islands but also serves as a bridge between past and present, inspiring new generations to think differently about art, environment, and community.
For more information and tickets to upcoming events, visit NSU Art Museum’s website.
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