10 Notable US Museum Acquisitions in 2024

The year 2024 saw major acquisitions by various museums across the United States, adding significant works to their collections. From the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC acquiring Cannupa Hanska Luger’s “Mirror Shield Project” to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston adding 115 Black Panther Party photographs by Stephen Shames, these acquisitions showcase a diverse range of artwork.

The High Museum of Art paid tribute to the “Godmother of African American Quilting,” Harriet Powers, through Carolyn Mazloomi’s textile tribute titled “Ode to Harriet Powers: Mother of African American Quilting.” This piece highlights Powers’ pioneering work in the pictorial quilting tradition.

The Art Institute of Chicago acquired four works by Grandma Moses, a self-taught artist who began painting at the age of 78. Her rural New York scenes captured the imagination of the American public in the 1940s.

The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles acquired Quentin Metsys’s “Madonna of the Cherries,” a Flemish Renaissance masterpiece that was thought to be lost for centuries. The painting showcases the maternal tenderness of the Virgin Mary and her role as an intercessor for the faithful.

Martin Wong’s “DC-3” was acquired by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, depicting Chinatown in San Francisco with a unique blend of social realism and urban life elements. Wong’s work reflects his experiences as a queer artist in a diverse urban landscape.

The Dallas Museum of Art acquired Cecily Brown’s “The Splendid Table,” a tryptic inspired by Flemish painter Frans Snyders. This piece features a slaughter scene with game birds and abstract strokes on a blood-red table, showcasing Brown’s unique artistic style.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture acquired Christopher Myers’s tapestry “The Grim Work of Death,” which explores the life of Nat Turner and his rebellion against slavery. This powerful artwork will be on display until June 8, 2025.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York acquired 300 prints by Mexican artists, including Elizabeth Catlett’s “Sharecropper,” highlighting the plight of Black women in the South. These prints will be displayed in early 2025.

Lastly, the Brooklyn Museum acquired Winfred Rembert’s “Looking for Rembert,” a poignant piece depicting a chain gang and reflecting on the cruelty of forced labor. This work is a testament to Rembert’s resilience and artistic talent.

Overall, these acquisitions represent a diverse range of artists and styles, enriching the collections of museums across the United States. Each piece tells a unique story and contributes to the cultural tapestry of our nation.