Welcome to the Brooklyn Museum, a place where art, history, and culture come together to create an enriching experience for all visitors. Through its vast collections, exhibits, and programs, the museum showcases the diversity and beauty of human creativity across time and space. However, not everyone has the opportunity to visit the museum in person. That’s where photography comes in – it allows us to explore the museum’s treasures and marvel at their beauty from the comfort of our own homes. In this article, we will take a virtual tour of the Brooklyn Museum through a selection of stunning photographs, highlighting some of the must-see artworks and spaces. So sit back, relax, and join us on this visual journey.
Exploring Brooklyn Museum’s Photo Collection
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, founded in 1823. Located in New York City, the museum boasts an extensive collection of over 1.5 million objects, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.
A Brief History of Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum was originally founded as the Brooklyn Apprentices’ Library in 1823. By 1841, the library had expanded its collection to include art and natural history objects, and was renamed the Brooklyn Institute. In 1895, the institute moved to its current location in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, and the museum officially opened to the public in 1897.
Over the years, the Brooklyn Museum has built a reputation as a leading institution in the art world. The museum has been a pioneer in modernizing museum practices, such as organizing exhibitions according to themes and presenting art in a holistic manner that combines different mediums and cultures.
The Photographic Collection
The Brooklyn Museum’s photographic collection is one of the largest in the country, with over 200,000 works spanning the 19th to 21st centuries. The collection includes photographs from all over the world, with a focus on photography from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
The museum’s photographic collection is a valuable resource for those interested in the history of photography. The collection includes works by some of the most well-known photographers in the world, including Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, Walker Evans, and Cindy Sherman.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Brooklyn Museum also hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both established and emerging photographers. These exhibitions provide visitors with a chance to see new and unique works of art, while also learning about the history and evolution of photography.
Highlighted Photo Exhibitions
The Brooklyn Museum has a long history of hosting significant and groundbreaking photography exhibitions. Some of the most notable past exhibitions include:
- Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present Day (2017) – This exhibition explored the relationship between sports and photography, featuring works by over 150 photographers, including Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Annie Leibovitz.
- The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk (2013) – This exhibition presented the works of renowned fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier, using innovative multimedia technology to showcase his creations.
- Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul (2011) – This exhibition featured artifacts from the National Museum in Kabul, Afghanistan, including photographs documenting the museum’s history and the preservation work carried out to protect the objects during the war in Afghanistan.
Upcoming photography exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum include:
- The Slipstream: Reflection, Resilience, and Resistance in the Art of Our Time (2021) – This exhibition features works by contemporary artists who explore themes of identity, representation, and resistance.
- Claudia Andujar: The Yanomami Struggle (2021) – This exhibition showcases the work of Brazilian photographer Claudia Andujar, who has been documenting the Yanomami people of the Amazon rainforest since the 1970s.
If you’re interested in photography, make sure to visit the Brooklyn Museum’s website to stay up-to-date on the latest exhibitions and events.
Noteworthy Photographers in Brooklyn Museum’s Collection
When visiting the Brooklyn Museum, one cannot help but appreciate the vast collection of photographs that the institution holds. From stunning black and white prints to intimate shots of everyday life, the Brooklyn Museum’s photography exhibit is a unique and fascinating experience that should not be missed. In this article, we will delve deeper into some of the significant photographers in Brooklyn Museum’s collection.
William Henry Fox Talbot
William Henry Fox Talbot was the father of photography. He was a key figure in the medium’s development during the 1800s, and his contributions led to the birth of modern photography. Talbot is best known for inventing the negative/positive process, or what we commonly refer to as photography today.
Talbot’s process was revolutionary because it was quick, easy, and required fewer resources than other methods that were popular at the time. In 1841, Talbot published his work “The Pencil of Nature,” which is one of the first books to feature photographic illustrations. Today, Talbot’s influence can be seen in every photograph we take – from family portraits to Instagram selfies.
At the Brooklyn Museum, you can view some of Talbot’s earliest photographic prints. These prints showcase Talbot’s mastery of the process, and give us a glimpse into the history of photography. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a history buff, Talbot’s collection is a treat to explore.
Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams is one of the most celebrated landscape photographers of the 20th century. His breathtaking black and white prints of national parks have become iconic images that evoke the natural beauty of the American West. Adams was a strong advocate for environmental conservation, and his photographs played a crucial role in raising awareness about the need to protect national parks.
The Brooklyn Museum owns several of Adams’s prints, including some of his most famous works, like “Moonrise Hernandez, New Mexico” and “Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park.” These prints capture the grandeur and beauty of nature, and showcase Adams’s mastery of his craft.
Adams’s influence on landscape photography cannot be overstated. His dedication to the environment and the art of photography has inspired generations of photographers to explore and capture the natural world.
Nan Goldin
Nan Goldin is a contemporary American photographer whose work is both provocative and intimate. Goldin’s photographs often feature her friends and acquaintances, capturing the beauty and struggles of everyday life. Her photographs are unique in their unfiltered rawness, and they offer a glimpse into the lives of her subjects.
Goldin’s work explores themes of sexuality, gender, and identity. Her most famous work, “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency,” is a slideshow of photographs that chronicles the lives of her friends and lovers during the 1980s. The piece is a vivid and unflinching portrayal of life during this era, and it has become a seminal work in contemporary photography.
The Brooklyn Museum owns several of Goldin’s photographs, including pieces from “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency.” These works are a testament to Goldin’s unique and groundbreaking vision, and they offer a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and unknown.
In conclusion, the Brooklyn Museum’s collection of photographs is a treasure trove of art and history. The museum’s exhibits offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the evolution of photography and the lives of some of the most significant photographers of our time. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or just someone who appreciates art, the Brooklyn Museum’s photography collection is a must-visit destination.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Planning ahead can significantly enhance your experience when you visit the Brooklyn Museum. To avoid any inconveniences, be sure to do your research well before heading there.
Plan Ahead
Start by checking the museum’s opening hours and admission fees. You can visit the museum’s official website to get accurate information about these aspects. It’s also essential to know the museum’s current COVID-19 guidelines to avoid any surprises.
If it’s your first time visiting the museum, we recommend you to take a virtual tour before going. Virtual tours can provide a sneak preview of the museum’s offerings, helping you plan what to see, and where to go.
Top Must-See Photo Exhibitions
Brooklyn Museum’s photo exhibitions showcase photography works from various artists and historical periods. If you’re scratching your head as to where to start, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most popular photo exhibitions you should not miss:
- JR: Chronicles
- Infinite Blue
- Agitprop!
This exhibition displays the artwork of JR, a French artist known for his large public frescoes. His works involve people, cities, and complex social issues. The exhibition includes his most famous works and never-seen-before photographs.
As the name suggests, this exhibition focuses on the color blue and its meaning in diverse cultures around the world. The exhibition explores how artists have used blue from ancient times to the present day. It features an extensive collection of artwork, photographs, and historical objects.
Agitprop is an exhibition that displays works of contemporary artistic activism. It features a range of mediums like posters, prints, photographs, and digital media. If you’re into socially conscious art, this exhibition is a must-see.
Other Things to Do at the Museum
Aside from photo exhibitions, the Brooklyn Museum boasts a vast collection of art from diverse cultures and historical periods. The museum’s collection comprises more than 1.5 million works of art, ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.
If you’re looking for exciting events and activities, you can visit the museum’s events page to see upcoming events. The museum usually organizes concerts, film screenings, performances, and workshops.
Finally, when it comes to dining options, the museum has two restaurants, the Cafe and the Bar, serving a variety of foods and drinks. The cafe serves light bites, including sandwiches and salads, while the bar serves beverages and light bites in a relaxed atmosphere.
Visiting the Brooklyn Museum is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse of the world’s art and culture. Plan wisely and make the most out of your visit.