Full Breakdown
Alexander Calder's "Three Quintains (Hello Girls)" Returns to LACMA
4/8/2026, 8:52:15 PM
Installation of the Fountain Sculpture
Sculptor Alexander Calder’s 1964 fountain sculpture, “Three Quintains (Hello Girls),” has been reinstalled at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as part of the new David Geffen Galleries. The fountain, which features four water jets that animate its colorful paddles, was turned on in March 2026, marking its return more than 60 years after it was first commissioned for the museum's original campus, which opened in 1965. LACMA’s senior curator, Stephanie Barron, noted that the commissioning of artists by museums was not common at the time Calder was engaged for this project.
Historical Context and Challenges
The placement of “Hello Girls” has been a topic of discussion since the early design phases of the new building. Sandy Rower, Calder’s grandson and head of the Calder Foundation, emphasized the importance of situating the sculpture in a lively area, adjacent to the museum's main café and the W.M. Keck Education Center, which attracts many children. Over the years, the sculpture faced various challenges, including environmental factors that affected its previous installations. Initially placed in pools that visitors could walk through, the fountain struggled due to calcium deposits and its proximity to the La Brea Tar Pits. In the 1980s, it was relocated to a hillside in the sculpture garden before being displayed at Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design.
Anticipated Impact and Viewer Experience
The recent installation aims to restore the sculpture to its intended form, surrounded by water and accessible to the public. The new site features an advanced filtration system designed to address the challenges of an outdoor urban environment. Barron highlighted the significance of the fountain's placement, allowing for a 360-degree view that showcases the interplay of wind and water, enhancing the viewer's experience. Rower expressed optimism that visitors, both familiar and unfamiliar with Calder's work, would find joy in the dynamic nature of the sculpture.
Official Statements & Responses
Stephanie Barron remarked on the excitement surrounding the fountain's return, noting that many returning visitors have expressed delight at its improved appearance. She stated, “People who haven’t been here for a long time say, ‘Oh my God, it’s back. It’s my favorite piece. It looks so much better.’” Rower echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Calder would be pleased with the fountain's vibrant presence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The concept of museums commissioning artists is now commonplace. It wasn’t commonplace then,” — Stephanie Barron, Senior Curator, LACMA
- “Kids coming over here are gonna love it,” — Sandy Rower, Head of the Calder Foundation
- “Calder is perennial,” — Sandy Rower, Head of the Calder Foundation
- “People who haven’t been here for a long time say, ‘Oh my God, it’s back. It’s my favorite piece. It looks so much better. It looks different.’ And people who’ve never seen it say, ‘Oh, wow. This just makes me happy.’” — Visitor reaction to the fountain's installation
The reinstallation of “Three Quintains (Hello Girls)” at LACMA not only revitalizes a significant piece of art history but also enhances the museum's engagement with its visitors, promising a lively and interactive experience.
