Rotterdam Museum Revives Wim T. Schippers’ Peanut-Butter Floor as Tribute

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam has reopened the “Pindakaasvloer,” a floor entirely covered with more than 800 pounds of smooth peanut butter, for a two-month exhibition. The work, first created in 1969, serves as a posthumous homage to Dutch conceptual artist Wim T. Schippers, who died in June at age 83. Museum staff spread 40 buckets of peanut butter across a 25-square-metre (270-sq-ft) hexagonal area, applying it to a depth of 2 cm (0.8 in) with drywall trowels.

The Independent

Schippers, known for absurdist pieces that question conventional art, also voiced Ernie and Kermit the Frog in the Dutch version of *Sesame Street*. The “Peanut-Butter Floor” belongs to his “Floor Covering Series,” which previously featured glass shards and salt. Earlier showings in 1997 and 2011 attracted public interaction, including bread, chocolate sprinkles (hagelslag), and accidental stepping onto the sticky surface.

Peanut butter floor returns to Dutch museum to honour late artist Wim T. Schippers

Two museum employees worked several days to achieve a uniform, “boring” spread, following a 20-point plan developed with Schippers before his death. The plan emphasizes a smooth surface, prohibits standing or lying on the butter, and specifies the use of the Dutch brand Calvé, which donated the required tubs. A warning sign alerts visitors with peanut-allergy concerns.

Associated Press

The museum’s recreation adheres to Schippers’ preference for “smooth peanut butter” while leaving size, shape, and thickness open to interpretation. Staff directed guests to “follow the smell” emanating from the floor, and the installation’s aroma has been noted as a lingering sensory element for attendees.

Peanut butter floor returns to Dutch museum to honour late artist Wim T. Schippers

• “Isn’t it fantastic that we are all standing here looking at peanut butter?” — Wim T. Schippers, 1997 interview

Associated Press

• “The thing I remember is the smell,” — Mieke Weismann, food photographer and writer

Associated Press

• “It was a lot of work,” — Leon Duenk, museum installer

Associated Press

• “It doesn’t look bad,” — Wim T. Schippers, commenting on a 1997 “vandalism” with bread and sprinkles

Associated Press

• “The sprinkles have been applied with a sense of proportion and a skillful hand.” — Wim T. Schippers, *Volkskrant* interview

Associated Press