Articles of Distinction

In 1915, the American Academy of Arts and Letters solicited “articles of distinction” for a new collection. For this exhibition, current Arts and Letters members selected objects from this eclectic mix and wrote accompanying texts. Selections range from Charles Ives’s metronomes to a Jacob Lawrence drawing to plaster casts of hands—all gestures extending themselves toward others, and across time.

The galleries of Arts and Letters are open to the public Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 6pm. Admission is free. No tickets or reservations are needed to visit the exhibitions.