Claes Oldenburg Oldenburg’s page
Works < >

Giant BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich)

1963

COLLECT

ZOOM

Claes Oldenburg, Giant BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich), 1963 2002.255a-s

Claes Oldenburg, Giant BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich), 1963. Vinyl, kapok fibers, painted wood, and wood, 32 × 39 × 29 in. (81.3 × 99.1 × 73.7cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of The American Contemporary Art Foundation Inc., Leonard A. Lauder, President 2002.255a-s

This Giant BLT sculpture is composed of nineteen separate parts. The bread, olive, bacon, lettuce, and tomato are made of vinyl stuffed with kapok, and the toothpick is made of wood. Each time it is shown in an exhibition, the parts of the sandwich must be put together, just like making a real sandwich! When it is being installed, the curator works with the art handlers to make the sandwich. They often have a conversation about how the sandwich will be made—what goes on the bread first, and how to layer the bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

What you’ll need: Sandwich fixings of your choice, a piece of paper, something to write with, camera

Have a friend or adult make you a sandwich. But first, write out a list of instructions explaining exactly how you’d like them to make it!
Think about the exact actions you’d like them to do so they’re able to build it the way you want. They won’t be able to do anything you don’t list, so be sure to start with actions like “open the bag of bread” or “unscrew the lid to the pickles.”
Once you have a thorough list, have your partner try to make your sandwich. How does it work out? Think about if there are any changes you’d make to your instructions, or any additional steps you’d need to add.
Take a photograph of your sandwich to share with us.
Enjoy your delicious sandwich with a friend!

Stuff other kids shared

This video shows curator Dana Miller and the art handlers assembling Claes Oldenburg’s Giant BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich).

MORE WORK BY Claes Oldenburg

4 WORKS