New York, New Music: 1980–1986

The early 1980s were a pivotal moment in New York City’s cultural scene, especially in music, fashion and visual arts. In conjunction with MTV’s 40th anniversary, this exhibit showcases influential NYC musical artists of the time, including Run-DMC, Talking Heads, Madonna and John Zorn. Using a number of notable events—such as Kid Creole and the Coconuts at Danceteria in 1980, Talking Heads at Central Park later that same year and Keith Haring’s 1984 Party of Life at Paradise Garage—as touchstones, the show features photographs by Janette Beckman and Martha Cooper, flyers for Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth, guitars from Tim Wright and Arto Lindsay, and a T-shirt from Keith Haring.