KMA Announces Fall Exhibit: New York, New York: The 20th Century

For many, New York City conjures images of towering skyscrapers, bright yellow taxis and the Statue of Liberty.

The exhibit planned for the this fall will expand those images for locals as they'll have a chance to view over 50 works of art that "capture the essence of New York throughout the 20th century," according to museum officials.

“This is such a rich exhibition on so many levels,” says Nancy Wallach, director of curatorial affairs at the museum in a press announcement.  “Spanning 100 years of art and history, it captures the vibrancy, power, and beauty of one of the greatest cities of the world through the eyes of some of the most iconic American artists of the 20th century.”

The pieces on display will include sculptures, paintings and photographs by Berenice Abbott, Diane Arbus, Stuart Davis, Andreas Feininger, William Gropper, Childe Hassam, Edward Hopper, John Marin, Reginald Marsh, and Edward Steichen, among others.

The exhibit was organized by the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, FL.

The exhibit's themes offer art from five divergent perspectives. Here's a description of each, courtesy of KMA:

• On the Waterfront: The docks of the Hudson and East Rivers have seen the arrival of industry and immigrants, marking the beginning of a new life for millions of people. The bridges that connect Manhattan to Brooklyn and Queens are emblematic of the five boroughs’ consolidation in 1898 into what we know now as New York City.
• Avenues and Streets: Fifth Avenue evokes style and society, while power and money are the hallmarks of Wall Street. Sidewalks, storefronts, and public spaces reflect the vibrant character of the city’s hundreds of distinct neighborhoods.
• In the Park: Artists have long found inspiration in the abundance of life found within the city’s parks. Whether picnicking in the grass or people-watching on a bench, the modern day flâneur can enjoy nature’s wonders away from the hustle and bustle of crowded urban streets.
• On the Town: Teeming with culture and entertainment, New York is a place where there’s always something happening no matter what the hour. The kinetic energy of gallery openings, concerts, and restaurants are the pulse of the “city that never sleeps.”
• Tall Buildings: A view of the top of the Empire State Building above a sea of clouds is the unofficial “welcome” to the city for air travelers. New York’s inimitable skyline, which was considered daring in the early twentieth century, made way for today’s aesthetic and environmental progress in architecture.

When 'New York, New York' opens, the museum's Learning Center for kids and families will feature an exhibit called Storied City. Picture book art selected from more than 35 works will offer young patrons views of the city as depicted by seven award-winning illustrators. 

For more information on the upcoming exhibit, visit the