Angles on Agnes Martin

For the past ten years, visitors who ventured to the back of the Fisher Collection galleries on Floor 4 were rewarded by an oasis of calm: an intimate octagonal gallery displaying seven paintings by American artist Agnes Martin (1912–2004). Inspired by nature and transcendental spiritual practices, Martin created abstract, meditative grids in muted color palettes. The room’s distinctive design was based on a gallery built specifically to house her works at the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico, where she settled in 1993.

Unofficially nicknamed the Agnes Martin “chapel,” the gallery has become a favorite spot for visitors to recharge, with a central round bench inviting rest and contemplation. It has even played a supporting role in some romantic milestones. Manager of Visitor Experience Brianna Jilson recalls a special request to help facilitate a marriage proposal in the gallery. “I had one couple ask for it specifically. They had their first date at SFMOMA, they both loved art, and they always enjoyed that space as their quiet moment in the museum.”

Martin is one of the artists included in Ways of Seeing: Fourteen Artists as part of Reimagined: The Fisher Collection at 10, but fear not: the chapel will remain largely untouched, except for the room’s orientation. Visitors will now have a sight line into the gallery’s entrance and Martin’s iconic work Night Sea (1963) as they approach. Aside from a more prominent entrance, Project Assistant Curator of the Fisher Collection Ted Mann knew the display of Martin’s work didn’t need much editing. “It’s one of the cornerstones of the collection,” he says. “This is almost a pilgrimage site. It’s quite special.”

Instagram Love for the Agnes Martin “Chapel”

Over the past ten years, visitors have regularly shared posts of appreciation for the Agnes Martin gallery. Instagram user caution___wet___paint sums up why: “This small room dedicated to Agnes Martin is one of my favorite spots in the museum . . . perfect for escaping the noise of the outside world. I feel a deep meditative effect when I repeat simple actions, and Martin’s paintings capture that experience so intuitively.” It’s also great for naptime, playtime, and quality time with loved ones!

Ways of Seeing: Fourteen Artists is part of Reimagined: The Fisher Collection at 10, on view beginning April 18, 2026, on Floor 4.

Learn more at sfmoma.org/fisher-collection.