The exhibition begins with John Sloan's Ashcan School etchings of everyday urban experience in the early 1900s and concludes with Jackson Pollock and the triumph of abstract expressionism in the 1950s. Many of the images in the intervening period explore the changing urban landscape of New York, the onset of the Depression, the romanticised visions of the American heartlands by the Regionalists, the response to the rise of Fascism in Europe and America’s entry into the Second World War.
‘I can't praise the exhibition highly enough … A rich, endlessly entertaining show. It's actually twice as good as I've said, so do go.’
Richard Dorment, Daily Telegraph
The American Scene was originally shown at the British Museum in 2008. It was seen by more than 413,000 people, making it one of the most popular exhibitions ever shown at the British Museum. The touring exhibition was made possible through the British Museum's Partnership UK scheme. The tour is supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art.
Ticket prices
Entry to Brighton Museum is free; admission charges apply for The American Scene.
Adult (16 years and over) £5
Accompanying child (15 years and below) Free
Concession £3
Brighton & Hove resident £2.50
Special rates for group bookings
For group booking information, telephone 03000 290901.
Tickets available from
• Brighton Museum
• Bookings Office, 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE 03000 290902 |