WPA Murals at Harlem Hospital
Posted by: Barbara Bibel
The WPA murals in New York’s Harlem Hospital were commissioned in 1936. They were the first major U.S. commission awarded to African American artists. The murals depict both African American and medical history, covering topics ranging from ancient and modern medicine to surgery and anesthesia to recreational activities in Harlem. After many years of neglect and decay, they were restored in the 1990s. Now they are available for viewing at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/iraas/wpa/index.html. The site also provides background information and video clips about the murals.
