About this Event
While The New York Historical is filled with incredible works of art on every floor, one of its most prestigious exhibitions is their permanent collection of Tiffany lamps — one of the world’s largest and most encyclopedic. What's the backstory behind these incredible works of art by Tiffany Studios, and who were the talented designers and artisans who worked in anonymity to fulfill Tiffany's aesthetic vision? It's time to uncover the hidden history behind the one-of-a-kind lamps like never before.
Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps at The New York Historical, the oldest museum in New York City (1804) that predates the founding of the Metropolitan Museum of Art by nearly seventy years.
Led by the permanent exhibition's curator, our intimate evening exploration of the collection featuring 100 illuminated Tiffany lamps will include:
- A brief origins story of Tiffany Studios and its founder, Louis C. Tiffany (1848-1933)
- A detailed look at many of the collection's masterpieces representing this elegant American art form
- The personal stories of head Glassmaking designer Clara Driscoll (1861–1944) and her team of “Tiffany Girls,” whose design contributions to the company's lamps, windows, and luxury objects were nearly forgotten by history
- Why the weekly salaries of designers from the Women’s Glass Cutting Department were on par with that of Tiffany's male designers in an age of serious wage gap inequality
Afterward, you'll have time to browse the museum on your own! A list of current exhibitions can be found here.
See you there!
*All belongings, including purses and coats, must be left in coat check
**An accessible entrance can be found on the 77th Street side of the museum
***This experience is capped at 10 people
About the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps
As the centerpiece of the transformed fourth floor, the Gallery of Tiffany Lamps features 100 illuminated Tiffany lamps from our spectacular collection, displayed within a dramatically lit jewel-like space. Regarded as one of the world’s largest and most encyclopedic, the Museum’s Tiffany Lamp collection includes multiple examples of the Dragonfly shade, a unique Dogwood floor lamp (ca. 1900–06), a Wisteria table lamp (ca. 1901), and a rare, elaborate Cobweb shade on a Narcissus mosaic base (ca. 1902), among many others.
A Message From the Curator
"My name is Rebecca Klassen, and I will lead your tour of The New York Historical's Gallery of Tiffany Lamps. I was one of the curators behind the creation of this jewel-like space, and the wondrous colors in the glass shades never cease to amaze me. As the museum's Curator of Material Culture, I love to share the stories behind our objects, whether they're virtuoso works or artifacts of the everyday. You'll walk away from our time together in the gallery with an appreciation for the incredible technical skill and artistry on display, as well as the historical context."
Testimonials
"In-depth information of interest. An opportunity to meet liked-minded people." -Erica
"It was wonderful. I liked the historical background behind the lamps. Also enjoyed learning some of the technical aspects of making the lamps." -Diane
"I was interested in the topic. It was a nice overview" -Alexandra
"The content was what I liked and expected." -Karen
"I liked the Discussion of women vs men at Tiffany" -Jane
"The guide was very knowledgeable not only about the specific subjects of the tour but also the wider historical background. I came home & started researching how & why glass was used, from Medieval times onwards. I not only learned a lot but wanted to learn more." -Rosemary
"Very fond of Tiffany glass, so excited to get the curated led tour." -Irina
"Well-coordinated, ease of communication with the greeter. Well-informed curator/presenter." -Ellen
"The museum and exhibit were lovely. The tour was informative but could have moved a little quicker. It was a good experience and I will go back to the venue based on what I learned." -Diane
"Right size group. Very organized. Friendly adventure club greeter. Good content." -Kate
Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Museums & Galleries
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, United States
USD 71.63
