exhibitions

Folding Fans from the Cooper-Hewitt Collection


Fans and related design spanning the 17th through the 20th centuries are on display. There are fans with painted leaves, fans with printed leaves, and brisé fans, which have no leaves at all. A range of influences, from gothic revival to art nouveau and beyond, are reflected in fans designed for everyday use as well those reserved for special occasions, such as for weddings or mourning, and even those prodiced as souvenirs and advertising.
fans, exhibitions, fashion, costume accessories, ch:exhibition=35350111

Crystal Palaces: The Buildings of the First World’s Fairs


The exhibition displays a remarkable collection of photographs, prints, stereo views, and souvenir ephemera of the Crystal Palaces from the 1851 World's Fair in London and the 1853 World's Fair in New York. London’s Crystal Palace housed the “Great Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations;” New York's Crystal Palace, built in Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library, was destroyed by a fire just five years after its construction.
world's fairs, Architecture, prints, ephemera, London, New York City, 19th century, exhibitions

Purses, Pockets, Pouches


More than 150 examples are on display in this exhibition of men’s and women’s bags and purses from four centuries of European and American design. These knitted, netted, beaded, appliqued, and embroidered examples were intended for holding a range of objects, including tobacco, combs, love letters, gifts, perfume, and, of course, coins.
purses, bags, pouches, accessories, Europe, America, exhibitions, ch:exhibition=35349413

Courts and Colonies: the William and Mary Style in Holland, England, and America


A lavish, baroque celebration of the 300th anniversary of the accession to the English throne of the William III of Holland, and his first cousin, Queen Mary II of England. The objects on display document the communication and adaptation of 17th century styles across countries and continents. 
Holland, Netherlands, england, America, 17th century, furniture, textiles, ornament, decorative arts, exhibitions, ch:exhibition=35349329

Erich Mendelsohn: Architectural Drawings


Several hundred drawings and dozens of original photographs display architect Erich Mendelsohn’s important work in Germany before the rise of the Third Reich: the Einstein Tower (1920), in Potsdam, considered to be the epitome of Expressionist architecture; the Hat Factory (1921); the Schocken Department Store Building (1926) in Stuttgart, in 1926; and, Mendelsohn’s own home, Villa Rupenhorn (1928) which he and his family occupied briefly before fleeing to England due to growing antisemitism fomented by the ascension of the Nazi regime.
Erich Mendelsohn, Architecture, Germany, 20th century, modernism, expressionism, exhibitions

The Modern Dutch Poster: The First Fifty Years, 1890 - 1940


Seventy-five posters by 50 artists survey Dutch poster design from 1890 through 1940. Dutch posters were generally smaller than their French counterparts, designed to be hung inside a shop rather than displayed outdoors and read from a distance. Featured artists include Th. H.A.A. Molkenboer, Theodorus Nieuwenhuis, Willy Sluiter, and Piet van der Hem.
Dutch, Holland, Netherlands, posters, graphic design, exhibitions

The Countess' Treasury: Gems & Curiosities from Burghley House


Sixty opulent treasures are on view from Burghley House, in Lincolnshire, England—one of the most majestic estates of the Elizabethan era. This collection of 17th century Renaissance jewelry, pomanders, ewers, bowls, tankards, and tea cups displays a variety of decorative embellishments including rock crystal mounted in gold and silver gilt, garnet and agate set in precious metal, colorful enameling, and delicate filigree.
england, 17th century, jewelry, tea service, decorative objects, exhibitions

What Could Have Been: Unbuilt Architecture of the 80s


An exhibition of 30 unrealized architectural projects. The models and drawings on display include proposals for civic projects and large-scale commercial buildings that would have altered the landscapes of major cities. Alice Aycock, Steven Holl, Philip Johnson, Frank Gehry, and Antoine Predock are among the featured architects.
Architecture, architectural drawings, models, 1980s, 20th century, exhibitions

Annual Reports


An exhibition of the history of annual reports, with an eye to graphic design and printing technology. More than 250 examples are on display, and range from the minutes of a mid 17th century British textile trading firm to contemporary annual reports replete with photography. Benjamin Franklin, Milton Glaser, and Robert Miles Runyan are among the featured printers, designers, and illustrators. 
annual reports, graphic design, corporate design, ephemera, printing, exhibitions

Paris Opera on Stage: Designs, Costumes, Jewels


This exhibition provides an up-close look at costumes, jewelry, and related drawings from the collection of the Paris Opera. The detailed costumes on display date from the era of Louis XIV to the present day, and feature the work of artists and designers such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Fernand Léger, and Christian Lacroix. Also on view are fifty pieces of stage jewelry that date from the 19th century, including diadems, bejeweled collars, armbands, and necklaces. 
opera, France, costumes, jewelry, drawings, Paris Opera, Louis XIV, exhibitions

Pages