Now through Fall 2023 at the National Museum of American History. Open free to the public.

(re) Framing Conversations:
Photographs by Richard Avedon, 1946–1965
explores the power and impact of post-WWII magazine photography through iconic portraits. Six thematic sections totaling twenty photographs are accompanied by thought provoking questions, visual and textual background, quotes, and opportunities to explore magazines of the period. Themes framed by questions posed by Avedon and his subjects continue to resonate today. Visitors to the exhibition are invited to reflect on their role in shaping culture today.

​A new Avedon exhibition will open in the fall of 2023.

All photos
​Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Photographs by Richard Avedon.

In honor of Avedon's 100th Birthday, we asked a few select friends of the museum to post on their IG accounts.

Spike Lee/Actor, Director, Filmmaker, Philanthropist, Art Collector  - Malcolm X, 1963.
Anthony Mason/CBS News Senior Culture Correspondent - Pablo Picasso, 1958.
Brooke Baldwin/Author, Journalist, Truth-Seeker - Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller, December 22, 1958.
Anderson Cooper/CNN and CBS News Broadcast Journalist - honoring his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, 1953.
Leigh Keno/Art andAntiques Auctioneer, Dealer, PBS Antiques Roadshow Appraiser - Generals of the Daughters of the American Revolution, 1963.
Gabriela Hearst/Creative Director, Fashion Designer - Dovima with the Elephants, 1955.
Ashley Gilbertson/Photojournalist - Judge Leander Perez, 1963.

​Richard Avedon (1923–2004) was one of the 20th century’s most influential photographers. Initially associated with high fashion and high society, Avedon moved seamlessly in and out of Manhattan’s social echelons from uptown to downtown, yet he was emotionally and professionally invested in cultural awareness, social and political issues, impact and authenticity.

Avedon gifted approximately 1000 photos and negatives to the National Museum of American History in gratitude for the museum giving him his first ever solo show in November of 1962.
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As U.S. state and local governments commander over what’s being taught in classrooms and pulling books from library shelves, museums have become even more important as a crucial resource for a transparent, truthful and more diverse education of our history.