My husband and I came down from Mid Coast Maine to see the Edward Hopper Exhibit (now ended).

We arrived a little late for our 2pm entrance time but we had no wait. Neither was there a time limit to our visit, except closing.

The ticket desk is up a few steps from the main entrance. There are inside and outside ramps for those who cannot climb the stairs.

A Happy Surprise!

Immediately to the right of the ticket desk is a delightful set of galleries which have on display my favorite 19th Century Luminism School painter: Fitz Henry Lane. (According to the Internet, he was previously, mistakenly called Fitz Hugh Lane.) It's such a prominent suite of galleries, that the paintings must be of the greatest value for the Museum. Amazing.

But we came to see the Edward Hopper Exhibit. Words are difficult to describe our delight being in rooms filled with finished prints, saturated watercolors, studies, early and late works. Another surprise for us was the inclusion of works by his wife, a fellow artist, Josephine (Jo) Nivison Hopper. We learned of her influence on his work which was unknown to us.

The curators also included many of the Hopper's Ashcan School contemporaries in an adjacent gallery. It was wonderful to see some of our favorites: Robert Henri, John French Sloan, George Luks, and William Glackens. Also included was a small pen and ink drawing of striking workers by Thomas Hart Benson (another favorite).

Overall, our visit was extraordinary. Many thanks to the curators for giving us an extraordinary opportunity to see deeply into Hopper's artistic influences and legacy.