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Metropolitan Museum hosts summer celebration of American art

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Emanuel Leutze (American, Schwäbisch Gmünd 1816–1868 Washington, D.C.). 'Washington Crossing the Delaware,' 1851, oil on canvas. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of John Stewart Kennedy, 1897
Emanuel Leutze (American, Schwäbisch Gmünd 1816–1868 Washington, D.C.). ‘Washington Crossing the Delaware,’ 1851, oil on canvas. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of John Stewart Kennedy, 1897

NEW YORK – The Metropolitan Museum of Art will celebrate American art all summer—from Independence Day weekend through Labor Day weekend—with special exhibitions, events, special summer refreshments, a gallery itinerary, and an entire wing dedicated to the work of American artists.

“Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends” (through Oct. 4)—Some 90 distinctive portraits by celebrated American artist John Singer Sargent provide insight into his friendship with the artists, writers, actors, and musicians he painted, and the significance of these relationships to his life and art.

“Navigating the West: George Caleb Bingham and the River” (through Sept. 20)—The first major Bingham exhibition in 25 years features compelling depictions of frontier life along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers by one of the foremost genre painters of the 19th century. Masterful preparatory drawings provide an unprecedented look at his artistic process.

“Thomas Hart Benton: American Today”—Showing a sweeping panorama of American life throughout the 1920s, the 10-panel mural ranks among the artist’s most renowned works and is one of the most remarkable accomplishments in American art of the period.

“Maurice Prendergast: Boston Public Garden Watercolors” (through Sept. 7)—Radiant glimpses of one of American’s iconic urban parks by a noted post-Impressionist painter.

Met Fridays: New York’s Night Out (July 10)—

  • Conversation with a Curator: George Caleb Bingham’s Fur Trappers Descending the Missouri, 6:30 p.m. (lively dialogue with the curator about a work that intrigues her)
  • Gallery Performance—River Stories, 6:45-7:15 p.m. and 7:30-8 p.m. (stories, music, and art)
  • The Observant Eye, 7 p.m. (close observation and deep discussion, for college and graduate students and other young art enthusiasts)

There’s something new happening at the Met every Friday until 9 p.m. The Museum is also open on Saturday, July 4, until 9 p.m.

The American Wing—One of the finest and most comprehensive repositories of American art in the world, this superb collection provides visitors with a rich and captivating experience of the history of American art from the 18th through the early 20th century. American art can also be found in the galleries for Modern and Contemporary Art and Musical Instruments.

Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar—Featuring treetop views of Central Park and the New York City skyline, this is a popular spot among summer visitors to the Museum. American-themed light fare is available for purchase.

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art online at www.metmuseum.org.