Metropolis: Modernity in the Making

The rise of the modern American metropolis became one of the most influential visuals of the early 20th century. Industrial capitalism drove the rapid advancement in technology, transportation, and mass production that led to the need for urban city planning and infrastructure.

Between 1900 and the 1940s, the country dealt with two devastating world wars, socio-political unrest, the Great Depression, racial segregation, and unregulated labor conditions as a result of the blossoming modern age. This exhibition explores themes from the early 20th century Metropolis, from monumental skyscrapers and shining machinery to the gritty underbelly of poor working conditions for the laborers that built the cities themselves. As a center of economic production, the American metropolis drew all kinds of people to the city for work, welcoming newly immigrated families and giving rise to the multiculturalism we find in cities today. Featured artists include Rockwell Kent, Charles Rosen, Louis Lozowick and Jan Matulka.

This exhibition is supported by the Edward D. and Ione Auer Foundation.