Mammoth Performance
Site-specific performance animating mammoth sculptures that will move through the museum galleries; free with required registration
Join Nick Cave for a site‑specific performance that transforms the museum's Kogod Courtyard into a living landscape animated by memory and imagination. Inspired by the current exhibition at SAAM, Cave will bring his herd of mammoths to life through sound and movement. The work features an original score and live musical performance by Kahil El'Zabar , performed alongside local musicians and collaborators.
Presented for one day only, the performance will take place at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with a total run time of approximately 45 minutes. Registration is required. General seating will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Mammoth is presented in collaboration with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company . Nick Cave: Mammoth is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Major support is provided by Cindy and Mark Aron, Leslie Berriman and Nion McEvoy, the Elizabeth Broun Endowment, Carolyn and Maurice Cunniffe, the James Dicke Family Endowment, Robert and Arlene Kogod, Nion McEvoy Publications Endowment, Cindy Miscikowski, Jack and Marjorie Rachlin Curatorial Endowment, VIA Art Fund and anonymous donors.
Generous support is provided by Michael Abrams and Sandra Stewart, Reuben and Kimberly Charles, Cristina Enriquez-Bocobo, Ferring Family Foundation, Flō Networks, Carl and Nancy Gewirz, Daniel W. Hamilton, Maureen and Gene Kim and the Norma Lee and Morton Funger Endowment in memory of William Scott Funger. This exhibition received support from the Fisher Arts Impact Fund. Image credit: Nick Cave, Roam , 2025, video, sound;11:27 min. Art director: Nick Cave.
Creative director: Bob Faust. Media production and projection design: Liviu Pasare. Courtesy the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery. Installation photography of Nick Cave: Mammoth , Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2026, ©Nick Cave; Photo by Ron Blunt
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