New Deal-Era Murals Restored at Harlem Hospital

New York City's Harlem Hospital has completed the restoration of three murals and a sculpture from the 1930s and 1940s. The works, created during the Great Depression, were unveiled on October 14 following a conservation effort led by the NYC Health + Hospitals’ Arts in Medicine department.

The restored pieces include two murals by Charles Alston, titled “Magic in Medicine” and “Modern Medicine,” both created in 1940. Additionally, a mural by Gwendolyn Knight Hayes, “Pursuit of Happiness,” completed in 1937, has been preserved. The works are housed in the hospital’s indoor mural pavilion.

The murals were commissioned during a significant period in U.S. history when Black artists gained access to major public commissions through the Works Progress Administration’s (WPA) Federal Art Project. The “Pursuit of Happiness” mural initially faced objections from administrators in 1936 due to its depiction of Black subjects. However, public protests by artists led to a reversal of this decision.

The restoration project also included the preservation of a sculpture by John Rhoden. The works are now displayed in their original locations within the hospital, showcasing the artistic contributions of the New Deal era.

**Context:** The restoration of these murals and sculpture is significant as it highlights the historical and cultural importance of the New Deal-era artworks. These pieces, created during a time of economic hardship and social change, reflect the struggles and achievements of Black artists in the United States. Their preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate the artistic and historical value of these works, which were commissioned as part of the federal government's efforts to support artists during the Great Depression.