AI Generated Image
Yes, the Show Has Drawn Raves. But Some of the Objects Are Not Real.
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The New York Historical Society's new Tang Wing for American Democracy, a $175 million expansion designed by Robert A.M. Stern, featured notable historical objects in its inaugural exhibition "Democracy Matters."
- Just one month after opening, original artifacts such as a Grover Cleveland campaign kerchief, a Betye Saar sculpture, and a hand-lettered evening gown supporting the Equal Rights Amendment were replaced by reproductions or facsimiles.
- The substitution occurred because sunlight from the gallery's large windows threatened to damage these light-sensitive items, prompting initial attempts to use blackout shades.
- Museum director Louise Mirrer opposed the use of blackout shades as they compromised the architectural design, leading to the decision to display replicas instead to preserve the originals.
