The Kennedys 50 Years Ago February 23, 2011

On display in the second floor west gallery are nine photographs of the Kennedys as taken by Richard Avedon for Harpers Bazaar. During the photo session 50 years ago - the only to take place between the election and the inauguration - Avedon removed the usual activity-filled environments and set them in front of his plain background allowing the viewer to engage directly with the Kennedys. The unique set of images is on view for the first time at the museum since their donation in 1966. The display also includes Avedon's contact sheets, allowing visitors insight into his retouching and editorial process.