backstory50: Dada Art at the NEU
The extraordinary depth and quality of the objects that Roy R. Neuberger donated to the Museum over the course of his lifetime can overshadow some of the other extraordinary areas of the Museum’s collection. One of those areas is the Hans Richter Collection of Dada Art.
Richter and his wife, Frida, donated and bequeathed objects from their collection to the Neuberger beginning in 1974; many of the works were on view in our inaugural show, The Making of a Museum. The collection includes not only important examples of Richter’s own work but also objects by the artist’s friends: Jean Arp, Alexander Calder, Max Ernst, Lyonel Feininger, and Man Ray. Look closely at the bottom of the Ernst work featured in this backstory and you’ll see an inscription to the Richters by the artist.
Today’s 50th anniversary thank-you goes, posthumously, to Cleve Gray. Why? Click here to learn how the personal connection between Gray and Richter led to the Richter collection coming to the Neuberger.
Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art
Watch for a new backstory every Wednesday and follow us on social media as we share stories about the Museum’s history, our evolution to the present day, and look ahead to our exciting future. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and “NEU 50 Years” updates on our anniversary webpage.