Beyond Heights: Skyscrapers and the Human Experience
Overview
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December 8, 2023–September 8, 2024
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The Godfrey American Art Wing, Level 2, Gallery K230
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Free for Members
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Included with admission
In the early 20th century, skyscrapers transformed New York City and became symbols of American innovation and modernity. Beyond physically altering the urban landscape, these iconic structures changed perceptions of space, isolation, and control. This exhibition explores the complex impact of skyscrapers on the human experience through prints, photographs, and design objects—a selection of which the Museum recently acquired—by artists including Walker Evans, Paul T. Frankl, and Louis Lozowick.
Additional artworks
Joseph Claude Sinel (American, b. New Zealand, 1889–1975) Manufactured by International Ticket Scale Company (International Ticket Scale Company (New York, New York)), Height and Weight Meter (model S), ca. 1927.
Painted sheet steel, cast iron, machine-polished stainless-steel, nickel-plated brass, chrome plated metal, glass, and rubber. 78 × 18 × 25 1/4 in. (198.12 × 45.72 × 64.14 cm). Gift of Daniel Morris/Historical Design, Inc., New York, in honor of Dick and Jody Goisman, M2022.18
Lewis Wickes Hine (American, 1874–1940), Men Working on Superstructure (Empire State Bldg), ca. 1930–31.
Gelatin silver print. Gift of Walter and Naomi Rosenblum, M1978.138. Photo by John R. Glembin
Manufactured by Reed & Barton (Taunton, Massachusetts, founded 1824), “Modernist” Compote, 1928.
Sterling silver. 7 3/8 × 6 11/16 × 5 3/8 in. (18.8 × 17 × 13.6 cm). Purchase, with funds from the Demmer Charitable Trust, M2021.631. Photo by John R. Glembin
Elsa Tennhardt (American, b. Germany, 1889–1980) Manufactured by E. and J. Bass Company (New York, New York, ca. 1890–1930), Cocktail Set, ca. 1928.
Silver-plated brass and “Vitrolite” glass. Shaker with lid: 11 13/16 × 5 1/8 × 5 3 9/16 in. (30 × 13 × 9 cm). Tray: 1 3/8 × 23 5/8 × 7 3/8 in. (3.49 × 60.01 × 18.73 cm). Glasses (each): 5 × 2 15/16 × 2 15/16 in. (12.7 × 8.5 × 7.8 cm). Purchase, with funds from Demmer Charitable Trust, M2015.69.1a,b-.8. Photo by John R. Glembin
