Velvet Underground Exhibition Coming To New York City

A new multimedia Velvet Underground exhibition entitled ‘The Velvet Underground Experience’ is set to open in New York City on 10 October, according to reports in The New York Times.

The exhibition will focus on the history and enduring influence of the iconic, Lou Reed-led band and is set to run through to 30 December. The exhibition debuted in Paris two years ago and features rare photographs, portraits, films, videos, live concerts and musical workshops. The show will be housed at 718 Broadway in Manhattan.

According to the exhibition’s website, The Velvet Underground Experience will be divided into six sections. The show will examine post-World War II America and the rise of the Beat Generation, the fortuitous meeting of Lou Reed and John Cale, the New York art scene of the Sixties, the Velvet Underground’s years in Andy Warhol’s Factory and the band’s continued evolution following the release of their seminal debut, The Velvet Underground And Nico. The New York iteration of the exhibit will also feature a new section tracking the Velvet Underground’s vast influence on modern American art and music.

The New York version of the exhibition will deviate slightly from the Paris iteration, with one section focusing on the band’s influence on modern American artists, including Robert Mapplethorpe, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Nan Goldin and Gus Van Sant. Of course, there will be works by the band’s early patron Andy Warhol, including a copy of his famous banana cover for The Velvet Underground & Nico signed by members of the band.

“I’m very proud to be able to able to show New Yorkers that the band has such a big influence everywhere else: not only in America, but in Europe, in Japan, in South America,” said the exhibition’s main curator, Christian Fevret. “It’s giving back to New York what New York gave us.”

Tickets for ‘The Velvet Underground Experience’ will go on sale on 17 August at 10 a.m. ET. A pre-sale for Citi card members starts on 14 August.

Format: UK English