The Hammer Museum at UCLA is set to make history with “Monument Eternal,” the first-ever museum exhibition dedicated to jazz pioneer and spiritual leader Alice Coltrane, opening February 9, 2025, per hypebeast.com.
Named after Coltrane’s 1977 autobiography, the exhibition promises an unprecedented look into the artiste’s multifaceted legacy through previously unreleased recordings, archival footage and personal artifacts. The show arrives as part of “The Year of Alice,” a nationwide celebration honouring her revolutionary contributions to music and spirituality.
The exhibition is structured around three core themes: Sonic Innovation, exploring Coltrane’s groundbreaking musical experiments; Spiritual Transcendence, examining her spiritual journey following husband John Coltrane’s death; and Architectural Intimacy, showcasing her work with sacred geometry at the Sai Anantam Ashram.
In a powerful dialogue between past and present, the exhibition features works by 19 contemporary Black American artists, including prominent figures Rashid Johnson and Flying Lotus (Coltrane’s grandnephew). Their contributions, ranging from sculpture to performance art, demonstrate Coltrane’s lasting influence on modern cultural expression.
“This exhibition finally gives Alice Coltrane the comprehensive institutional recognition she deserves,” said a museum spokesperson. “Visitors will experience not just her musical genius, but her profound impact on spiritual and artistic communities.”
The exhibition, running through May 4, 2025, will be accompanied by a series of live performances and educational programmes, making it a landmark event in both Los Angeles’s cultural calendar and jazz history. The show represents a significant step in recognizing Coltrane’s contributions beyond jazz, acknowledging her role as a multidisciplinary artist whose influence spans music, spirituality, and visual arts.
•Featured image: Alice Coltrane/Chuck Stewart/Chuck Stewart Photography/Llc/Fireball EntertainmentGroup
