In addition to our immersive exhibits and galleries, Planet Word is home to a selection of art inspired by the power, fun, and beauty of words and language. Explore this page to learn more about each of the pieces featured in the museum.
Word Art at Planet Word
AT&T Plaza
Silver Adagio
Jaume Plensa (b. 1955, Spain)
Silver Adagio, 2020
Stainless steel
Planet Word, on loan from the collection of Ann and Tom Friedman
AT&T Plaza
Speaking Willow
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (b. 1967, Mexico City)
Speaking Willow, 2020
Aluminum sculpture, custom-made speakers and electronics, LED lights, computer, patch boys, 364 unique language recordings on micro-SD cards, 3D cameras, and 3.6 miles (5.8km) of Ethernet cable
Planet Word, Gift of Ann and Tom Friedman
Commissioned in partnership with Public Art Fund
Lower Level
A–Z
Neil Winokur (b. 1945, USA)
A–Z, 2007
Twenty-six Cibachrome prints, published by Janet Borden, Inc.
Planet Word, on loan from the collection of Ann and Tom Friedman
Lower Level
The American Library Collection (Chefs)
Yinka Shonibare, CBE (b. 1962, United Kingdom)
The American Library Collection (Chefs), 2021
Approximately 225 hardback books, Dutch wax printed cotton textile, gold foiled names, bookcase, bespoke card catalogue box
Planet Word, on loan from the collection of Ann and Tom Friedman
North Elevator
Untitled (Planet Word Bookscape 1)
Max-Steven Grossman (b. 1971, Colombia)
Untitled (Planet Word Bookscape 1), 2020
Digital collage and metallic photograph, mounted on polycarbonate and dibond backer
Planet Word, Gift of Ann Friedman
South Elevator
Untitled (Planet Word Bookscape 2)
Max-Steven Grossman (b. 1971, Colombia)
Untitled (Planet Word Bookscape 2), 2020
Digital collage and metallic photograph, mounted on polycarbonate and dibond backer
Planet Word, Gift of Ann Friedman
First Floor
Seeing Reading
Joseph Kosuth (b. 1945, USA)
Seeing Reading, 1981
Neon and transformer
Planet Word, on loan from the collection of Tom and Ann Friedman
First Floor
Multilingual
SOSO Limited
Multilingual, 2020
Touchscreen, computer, custom software, visitor data
Planet Word
North Stairwell
Prima Facie (Third state): Inconsolable/ Exuberant
John Baldessari (1931–2020, USA)
Prima Facie (Third state): Inconsolable/Exuberant, 2005
Diptych — digital photographic print on foam PVC board and enamel on canvas, in artist’s frames
Planet Word, on loan from the collection of Tom and Ann Friedman
South Stairwell
Last Night I Prayed for a Noise
Xu Zhen® (b. 1977, China)
Last Night I Prayed for a Noise, 2021
Mirror finish stainless steel and metal
Planet Word, on loan from the collection of Ann and Tom Friedman