New York Historical Replaces Artworks With Reproductions Weeks After Opening $175 M. Expansion
Less than two months after opening its $175 million Tang Wing for American Democracy, the New York Historical replaced 17 objects in its inaugural exhibition “Democracy Matters,” which opened June 18, with reproductions and removed three objects entirely. According to reporting cited from the New York Times, the changes were prompted by natural light from large windows in the main gallery that could damage light-sensitive works; blackout shades initially addressed conservation concerns but were later raised because director Louise Mirrer felt they compromised architect Robert A.M. Stern’s design. Among the altered displays, Betye Saar’s assemblage “Extreme Times Call for Extreme Heroines” was replaced with a digital photograph that the museum later removed, and objects taken down included the hand-lettered gown former New York congresswoman Carolyn Maloney wore to the 2021 Met Gala and a mannequin covered in crocheted pink camouflage by Olek commemorating the 2017 Women’s March. Former creative director and exhibitions head Gerhard Schlanzky said planners had assumed the windows would be covered, while Mirrer said she had not focused enough on the light issue amid fundraising and efforts to realize Stern’s vision.
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This story was covered in Museum Meltdowns and Art’s Arresting Protests