Keith Haring's 'Once Upon a Time' Mural at NYC LGBT Center

Keith Haring's mural 'Once Upon a Time' (1989) at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City is a homage to gay hedonism, painted months before the openly gay artist died from AIDS. The mural was created for a group exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, alongside artists Betty Tompkins, Kenny Sharf, and Leon Golub. Haring completed the work in the Center's bathroom, and it remains the most striking piece from the show. Former Center president David Nimmons recalled the intense energy of the preparations. Former director Glennda Testone noted the mural's sexual exuberance and defiance amid rising AIDS rates and homophobia. Haring moved to NYC in 1978, studied at the School of Visual Arts, and befriended Jean-Michel Basquiat. He gained fame through subway drawings and gallery shows, with Andy Warhol as a mentor. Haring created social-change works like 'Crack is Wack' (1986) and painted the Berlin Wall. Diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, he continued making art and supported ACT UP with donations up to $10,000. In 2012, the Center restored the mural. In 2020, the Keith Haring Foundation auctioned part of his collection, donating $3.7 million to the Center, which built the Keith Haring Community Wing.