Join us as we celebrate the Brooklyn Museum’s 200th anniversary with a conversation between Catherine Futter and our team. Discover how this iconic institution has been shaping the art world for two centuries, from its commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives to its innovative exhibitions.
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest institutions in the country, with a rich history of championing art that inspires compassion and joy while challenging traditional narratives. As it marks its bicentennial, the museum is commemorating this milestone with current and upcoming shows that celebrate its legacy.
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded by visionaries who aimed to bring world culture and history to everyone, the Brooklyn Museum has always been a trailblazer in the art world. Its history is marked by a commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and challenging traditional notions of art. This legacy continues to shape the museum’s mission today.
Celebrating 200 Years with New Exhibitions
The museum’s bicentennial celebrations are being marked by several new exhibitions, including “Solid Gold,” “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition,” and “Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200.” These shows not only celebrate the museum’s rich history but also highlight its evolving future, featuring incredible new acquisitions and gifts of art that trace the development of its collection.
A Gift of Art from Renowned Donors
One of the highlights of the museum’s bicentennial celebrations is a gift of over 330 artworks acquired in 2024. This impressive figure includes more than 100 pieces donated by valued donors in honor of the museum’s 200th anniversary. Some of the standout works include Gae Aulenti’s “Pool Lounger,” Antony Gormley’s “Object II,” and Kyōhei Inukai’s “Javanese Coat.”
Representing Brooklyn: A Balance between Local and Global
The Brooklyn Museum is known for its commitment to showcasing local artists while also bringing the world to Brooklyn. The museum’s director of curatorial affairs, Catherine Futter, notes that the acquisition process is ongoing and continuous, thanks to the generosity of trustees and the work of the museum’s director and curators.
Local Artists Take Center Stage
The museum makes an effort to highlight local artists, such as in the current “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition” and “Breaking the Mold.” These shows showcase a snapshot of Brooklyn’s creative output over the past five years, exploring themes that resonate both locally and globally. The presentation highlights collective care, healing, joy, solidarity, uncertainty, and turbulence, intertwined with material experimentation.
A Legacy of Innovation Continues
As the Brooklyn Museum marks its 200th anniversary, it is clear that its legacy of innovation continues to shape the art world today. With new exhibitions and acquisitions celebrating its history and future, the museum remains a trailblazer in the art world.
