This grand display honors the life and legacy of Martha Graham and tells of her significant influences in the world of dance and the arts. It is wonderfully curated by Jack Ferver whose insights and meticulous planning have brought the exhibition to life. We attended the recent press preview when the Martha Graham Dance Company’s Artistic Director Janet Eilber welcomed the audience and Jack Ferver guided press through the spacious galleries. It is now open to the public through November 7, 2026.
The Martha Graham Dance Company, founded in 1926, is the longest continually running dance company in the United States. Born in 1894, Graham was an American modern dancer and choreographer. Initially recognized as an influential dancer, Graham’s dance company redefined how dance looked and was perceived. A household name, she is also recognized as “the mother of modern dance” for her choreographic masterworks. Her signature “Graham technique,” was the first of its kind that stood in contrast to classical ballet. The technique continues to be used by dance companies around the world today and greatly influences a new generation of choreographers and performers.
When you visit the exhibition, Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance, take your time to revel in every fascinating element in the galleries. The Library’s centennial exhibition traces the arc of Graham’s groundbreaking career, centering her visionary approach to dance as psychological expression. Graham transformed the dancing body into a vessel for inner life, using movement to externalize emotion, memory, and the unconscious.
Dance afficionados and many more will be fascinated by the vast array of items on display that include Martha Graham’s original costumes that she personally designed, dance videos, extraordinary photographs, and a rare manuscript.
“When audiences come to this exhibition at the Library for the Performing Arts, they will encounter a uniquely intimate view of Martha Graham’s genius,” Ferver said.
“It is an honor to partner with the Library for the Performing Arts as we celebrate the Martha Graham Dance Company’s centennial—we couldn’t think of any better way to highlight our work this year than through this exciting exhibition,” Eilber added.
Be certain to explore the public programs both online and at New York Public Library’s Bruno Walter Auditorium that are dedicated to Martha Graham’s legacy. For more information, visit Library for the Performing Arts Programs.
There are exciting times ahead for the Martha Graham Dance Company as they have new studios in midtown at Broadway and 43rdStreet. For more information on the company, please visit Martha Graham Dance Company – The official home of the Martha Graham Dance Company.
The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center is located at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023. For more information and hours of operation, please visit The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts | The New York Public Library and call (917) 229-9755.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Blanc/NYPL
