A Century of The New Yorker: Landmark Exhibition at The New York Public Library

Experience the rich history of one of America’s most iconic magazines at A Century of The New Yorker, an extraordinary exhibition opening at The New York Public Library in February 2025. Celebrating the 100-year legacy of The New Yorker, this groundbreaking showcase will delve into the people, stories, and ideas that have shaped the publication since its launch in 1925.

What to Expect

The exhibition offers visitors an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at The New Yorker, featuring:

• Founding Documents and Manuscripts: Including the original 1924 prospectus for The New Yorker and W.H. Auden’s handwritten draft of “Refugee Blues” (1939).
• Timeless Artwork: Original covers, cartoons, and illustrations from the magazine’s archives, such as Rea Irvin’s artwork for the debut issue (1925) and Saul Steinberg’s caricature of Tina Brown (1990s).
• Unseen Artifacts: From Dorothy Parker’s tongue-in-cheek manuscript list to Vladimir Nabokov’s annotated copy of 55 Short Stories from The New Yorker.
• Iconic Cultural Moments: Truman Capote’s draft of In Cold Blood (1965) with William Shawn’s edits, and Hannah Arendt’s manuscript for Eichmann in Jerusalem (1963).
• Interactive Audio Features: Hear insights from current and former New Yorker writers and editors, including Kevin Young.

Exploring The New Yorker’s Legacy

This dynamic exhibition will chart the magazine’s evolution, from its roots in the Roaring Twenties to its modern influence in the digital era. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of The New Yorker’s contributions to literature, art, and journalism, as well as the unsung heroes who brought its pages to life—typists, copyeditors, and fact-checkers.

Centenary Highlights

A Century of The New Yorker is part of a year-long centennial celebration that includes:

• “Tales From The New Yorker” Film Series: A curated collection of films at Film Forum.
• Archive Digitization: The magazine’s complete hundred-year archive will be made digitally accessible.
• Special Programming: Talks, events, and activities exploring The New Yorker’s impact on cultural history.

Must-See Exhibition Highlights

Some standout items include:

• John Updike’s handwritten assignments for Talk of the Town (1940s).
• The New Yorker style guide (1981).
• Kara Walker’s preparatory drawings for her Toni Morrison tribute cover (2019).
• Kadir Nelson’s “Say Their Names” cover (2020), with an interactive element highlighting ongoing social issues.

What Makes This Exhibition Special

Anthony W. Marx, President of The New York Public Library, notes:

“Countless have been influenced by The New Yorker and delighted in its groundbreaking journalism and irreverent cartoon art. This exhibition provides visitors a unique opportunity to explore the magazine’s profound impact on intellectual and cultural life in the United States.”

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to The New Yorker, this exhibition is an unmissable journey through the past century of creativity, storytelling, and cultural influence. Stay tuned for more details on events, programming, and ticketing.

Celebrate 100 years of The New Yorker—a magazine that continues to define and challenge the boundaries of journalism and art.