New-York Historical Replaces Artworks with Reproductions Weeks After $175M Expansion Debut

Key facts

• New-York Historical's $175 million Tang Wing for American Democracy opened on June 18.
• Seventeen objects in the inaugural exhibition 'Democracy Matters' were replaced with reproductions or facsimiles; three others were removed.
• The wing was designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern with large windows that let in natural light, which threatened light-sensitive artworks.
• Blackout blinds were initially installed but later removed to preserve the architectural experience.
• Betye Saar's assemblage 'Extreme Times Call for Extreme Heroines' was replaced with a digital photograph, which was later removed after criticism from the New York Times.
• Norman Rockwell's 1943 'Buy War Bonds' posters were replaced with visually similar reproductions.
• A dress worn by Carolyn Maloney at the 2021 Met Gala and a mannequin by artist Olek were also removed from the exhibition.
• Former staff members Gerhard Schlanzky and Wendy Nalani E. Ikemoto expressed concerns about the decision-making process.
• Director Louise Mirrer admitted that lighting issues were not adequately addressed during planning.
• The controversy underscores the tension between architecture, conservation, and curatorial narrative in museums.