MIAMI BEACH, FL (NOVEMBER 18, 2006)-The Wolfsonian-Florida International University will celebrate the opening of Miami’s new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts on October 5th by exhibiting an array of objects on the museum’s fifth floor focusing on the arts of the stage. “The Carnival Center’s opening is a milestone in Miami’s cultural history, and we felt that it was important to underscore the occasion by exhibiting relevant objects from the collection,” said Cathy Leff, The Wolfsonian’s director.

The objects to be displayed include theater furniture, prints depicting various kinds of performances, and design drawings for costumes meant for a children’s theatrical production. Also on view will be Dorothy Brett’s portrait of the legendary conductor Leopold Stokowski, which combines setting and technique to capture his musical genius. Notes Marianne Lamonaca, associate director for curatorial affairs and education: “Taken together, these objects reveal how people appreciated music, drama, ballet, opera, and jazz as important signposts of the times in which they were created. They show how performing arts and entertainment became important aspects of modern life.” The works will be on view September 25, 2006 through January 2007.

About The Wolfsonian–Florida International University
The Wolfsonian–FIU is a museum and research center that uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political, and technological changes that have transformed the world. The approximately 120,000 artifacts that comprise The Wolfsonian collection range from fine art, graphic design, and political propaganda to furniture, rare books, and ephemeral materials such as postcards and travel brochures. Since opening to the public just ten years ago, The Wolfsonian has developed and disseminated critically acclaimed exhibitions, publications, and educational programs that highlight the impact of design in shaping the modern world. Its vast patrimony of primary source materials provides unparalleled opportunities for scholarship and appreciation, making it a unique resource for local, national, and international audiences.

The Wolfsonian is located at 1001 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Fla. Admission is $7 adults; $5 seniors, students, and children six-12; free for Wolfsonian members, State University System of Florida staff and students with ID, children under six, and Miami Beach residents with ID. The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday from noon-6pm; Thursday and Friday from noon-9pm; and is closed on Wednesday. Contact us at 305.531.1001 or visit us online at www.wolfsonian.org.

The Wolfsonian receives ongoing support from the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; Crispin Porter + Bogusky; Continental Airlines, the preferred airline of The Wolfsonian; the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation; and Karla Conceptual Event Experiences.

BACK