Don’t miss Beatrix Potter: The Picture Letters, an exhibition on view at the Morgan Library and Museum until Jan 27. Potter wrote her first stories in the form of picture letters purely for her own pleasure and the entertainment of children she knew. Years later, she borrowed the letters back and published them in revised and enlarged versions that are now acclaimed as classics of children’s literature. This exhibition brings together 20 picture letters, including the earliest surviving picture letter, the famous Peter Rabbit letter, and others containing the original ideas for the adventures of Squirrel Nutkin, Jeremy Fisher and Pig Robinson. Also on display will be early commercial designs, nature studies and fanciful animal drawings showing the development of her artistic and storytelling skills.
Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Museum presents The Sexuality Spectrum, a groundbreaking exploration of sexual orientation through the creativity of more than 50 international contemporary artists, on view now through Jan 28. The exhibit explores a broad range of subjects, including the evolving social and religious attitudes toward sexuality; issues of alienation, marginalization, and inclusion; the impact on the family, child-rearing and life stages; violence and persecution; AIDS/HIV, and the influence of the LGBTQI community on the Jewish and larger world.
After a successful international tour, Harry Potter: The Exhibition returns to North America for an encore presentation at New York City’s Discovery Times Square now through Apr 7. The exhibit offers fans a first?hand look inside the famous wizard’s magical world and the opportunity to experience the amazing craftsmanship of hundreds of authentic costumes and props from the Harry Potter films. Fans will encounter iconic props and costumes including Harry’s original wand and glasses, costumes from Hogwarts Yule Ball, props from the most dramatic Quidditch matches, a study model of Dobby the house?elf, and much more. Along the way, guests can enter the Quidditch area and toss a Quaffle, pull their own Mandrake in the Herbology vignette, tour a recreation of Hagrid’s hut, encounter Buckbeak the Hippogriff and look into the many eyes of a giant Acromantula spider.
