Cubi XII

Cubi XII is an abstract steel sculpture in the Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden and consists of interconnected geometric steel blocks arranged in a circular form. The surfaces are carefully polished and reflect sunlight from different angles.

The American artist David Smith created this monumentally scaled work in 1963 as part of his influential Cubi series. The artwork marked a turning point in how abstract sculptures were perceived and made within the art world.

This artwork shows how industrial materials became part of the fine art world and changed the way modern artists create. You can see how steel here is no longer just a practical material, but serves as a form of artistic expression.

The sculpture is freely accessible within the Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden at Independence Avenue and 8th Street SW, making it easy to visit on foot. The garden is open to the public at no cost, so you can view the work whenever it suits your schedule.

The surface features circular grind marks that create shifting visual patterns as natural daylight changes throughout the day. These subtle details give the work an ever-changing appearance depending on how the sun illuminates the metal sections.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1963

Creator: David Smith

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 38.88907,-77.02292

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:43