Dutch Gallery Floors Covered in Peanut Butter to Honor Late Artist

The Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam has revived Wim T. Schippers’ iconic Pindakaasvloer (Peanut butter floor), an installation featuring 800 pounds of peanut butter spread across a gallery floor. The work, a recreation of a 1962 concept first exhibited in 1969, follows strict posthumous instructions from Schippers, who died last month at age 83. The installation remains open to the public until September 6.

The Precise Logistics of an Absurdist Masterpiece

Schippers left specific guidelines for the maintenance of his work, requiring curators to apply 15.6 kilograms of non-chunky peanut butter to every square meter of the floor. According to the museum, the application must be performed as “smoothly and monotonously as possible.”

The installation serves as a test of viewer perception. Sandra Kisters, acting director of the museum, noted that the work consistently triggers questions regarding the nature of art. “It is this sense of bewilderment that makes this piece so special,” Kisters said. The museum has prohibited visitors from standing or lying on the substance and explicitly requested that the work not be approached “with any educational purpose.”

Conceptual Art as a Cultural Legacy

Wim T. Schippers was a central figure in Dutch dadaist movements, known for challenging the perceived seriousness of the art world. His early work with the A-dynamische groep included stunts like shaving cactuses and filling galleries with salt or glass shards. His approach often utilized food; he once upholstered a chair with canned noodles and covered a table in peas.

Beyond galleries, Schippers held significant influence in Dutch media. He was the voice of Kermit the Frog, Ernie, and Count von Count on the Dutch version of Sesame Street. Kisters compared his cultural impact to that of Monty Python, noting, “He believed that life and art were always entirely serious and entirely non-serious at the same time.”

Future Trends in Conceptual Installation

The recurring nature of the Pindakaasvloer highlights a shift in how museums handle conceptual art: prioritizing the artist’s specific “instructions” over a static, permanent object. This method ensures that the work remains “alive” through periodic re-creation rather than preservation of original materials, which would be impossible with perishable food.

This trend suggests that future museum acquisitions may increasingly consist of “score-based” works—sets of instructions that allow institutions to restage performances or installations. The Museum Boijmans van Beuningen’s decision to sell smooth peanut butter in its shop allows visitors to engage with the concept of “do-it-yourself” art, further blurring the line between the museum space and the home.

Pro Tips for Visiting the Installation

• Observation: Focus on the texture and the “monotony” of the application, as requested by the artist.
• Dining: The museum restaurant is currently serving peanut butter sandwiches, with optional cheese or spicy sambal relish, to mirror the theme of the exhibit.
• Engagement: During a 2011 exhibition of this same piece, visitors submitted 648 questions to the artist, all of which were answered in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the peanut butter floor permanent?
No, the installation is temporary. The current exhibit at the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen ends on September 6.

Can visitors walk on the peanut butter?
No. In 2011, an inattentive visitor slipped on the installation, causing damage to the work and highlighting the safety risks of the medium.

What was Schippers’ final project?
Before his death, he told Dutch media he was working on a final piece titled Wim is Gone.

Have you visited the Peanut butter floor, or do you have thoughts on the role of perishable materials in modern art? Share your perspective in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on contemporary art installations.