History Lesson: Can Museum Exhibits Spark Change?

by Judith H. Dobrzynski  •  Dec 1, 2009 at 9:09 am
Cross-posted from ArtsJournal.com

http://www.judithdobrzynski.com/2009/12/history-lesson-can-museum-exhibits-spark-change

Many museum exhibitions affect individuals; some go further, exerting influence on the collective opinion, or even beyond.

Exactly 100 years ago last night, the Metropolitan Museum of Art closed the doors on one that went further. Part of a statewide celebration, the Hudson-Fulton exhibition marked the 300^th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the river that bears his name and the centennial of Robert Fulton's steamship. During its 10-week run, nearly 300,000 people thronged the museum's galleries -- 8,000 on opening night alone, which was presided over by J.P. Morgan, the Met's president (left), and a 40-piece orchestra. The show had two sides, and both had impact.

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