The Surrealist Book

Surrealist artists transformed the bound book into a provocative art form, merging text, image, and sculptural binding to unlock the unconscious and promote revolutionary tenets.

Why go

The exhibition presents the Helen and Sam Zell Collection—rare artists' books by Breton, Dalí, Cahun, Ernst, Zürn, and others—many shown at MoMA for the first time, featuring sculptural bindings, solarized photographs, and unconventional materials that turn volumes into interactive hybrid artworks.

What to expect

Rare and exquisite Surrealist books spanning the 1920s–1960s, including special editions on unusual papers, unique maquettes, sketchbooks with collages and drawings, and sculptural bindings that transform books into three-dimensional art objects.

Things to know

• Features work by André Breton, Salvador Dalí, Claude Cahun, Paul Éluard, Toyen, Max Ernst, and Unica Zürn.
• Showcases the transformative Helen and Sam Zell Collection, presented at MoMA for the first time.
• Traces Surrealist books from their foundational impact in the 1920s through the 1950s–60s.
• Includes books bound with shards of shattered glass and manifestos enshrined in polished metal.
• Organized by Jodi Hauptman, The Robert Lehman Chief Curator, and Starr Figura, Curator.
• Exhibition made possible by the Eyal and Marilyn Ofer Family Foundation, in honor of Sam Zell.