Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through time and space with the Museum of Modern Art's (MoMA) upcoming exhibition, "Time Travelers: Photographs from the Gayle Greenhill Collection." This extraordinary showcase, a gift from Robert F. Greenhill in memory of his beloved wife, Gayle Greenhill, promises an immersive experience like no other.
From October 31, 2025, to February 2, 2026, MoMA invites you to explore a diverse collection of photographs, spanning centuries and styles. Curated by Lucy Gallun and her team, the exhibition delves into the fascinating world of photography, showcasing works from over 100 identified photographers and many more unknown talents.
But here's where it gets intriguing: instead of a chronological or thematic arrangement, "Time Travelers" encourages viewers to embark on a personal journey. Each photograph becomes a portal, transporting you to the world of the photographer or a realm entirely crafted within the boundaries of a print.
The exhibition features a wide range of artistic expressions, from Julia Margaret Cameron's and Edward Steichen's early assertions of photography as an art form to the unique visions of Manuel Álvarez Bravo, William Eggleston, and Cindy Sherman. It also explores photography's ability to reveal unseen worlds, as seen in Man Ray's, László Moholy-Nagy's, and Harold Eugene Edgerton's works. From Herbert George Ponting's Antarctic landscapes to Hiro's capture of the Apollo 11 launch, the exhibition takes you on expeditions to unfamiliar territories.
Still lifes by Karl Blossfeldt, Imogen Cunningham, and Irving Penn offer a fresh perspective on the everyday, uncovering hidden depths. The complexities of self-portraiture and capturing others are explored through the works of David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson, Alfred Stieglitz's composite portrait of Georgia O'Keeffe, Emmet Gowin's intimate depiction of his wife, and Lucas Samaras' manipulated Polaroid self-portraits.
"Time Travelers" presents a unique blend of iconic and lesser-known images, spanning from William Henry Fox Talbot's 19th-century experiments to JoAnn Verburg's 21st-century immersive landscapes. It reflects Gayle Greenhill's broad curiosity about photography and her enduring commitment to the medium.
This exhibition marks the first public viewing of the Gayle Greenhill Collection and highlights the lasting impact of Robert Greenhill's gift, which established the Gayle Greenhill Endowment Fund to support future photography initiatives at MoMA.
Lucy Gallun remarks, "This exhibition embodies Gayle Greenhill's spirit of curiosity and exploration. We're thrilled to offer audiences a unique photographic journey and the opportunity to discover the remarkable gift made by Robert F. Greenhill in Gayle's memory. The collection is a treasure trove of iconic works and unexpected finds, and it will continue to inspire and enrich MoMA's photography program for generations to come."
"Time Travelers: Photographs from the Gayle Greenhill Collection" is accompanied by a beautifully illustrated catalogue, featuring 44 full-page plates and over 50 contextual images. Essays and shorter texts by the curatorial team provide insightful reflections on the photographs, their creators, and the processes behind them.
Don't miss this extraordinary exhibition and its accompanying publication, available at MoMA stores and online. It's a must-see for photography enthusiasts and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the medium's power and potential.
"Time Travelers: Photographs from the Gayle Greenhill Collection"
Until February 2, 2026
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
11 W 53rd St.
New York, NY 10019
www.moma.org
And this is the part most people miss: the controversy! While some may argue that the exhibition's non-chronological arrangement enhances the viewer's experience, others might prefer a more traditional approach. What do you think? Should exhibitions prioritize a chronological or thematic structure, or is there a better way to engage with art? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion!
