Explore the profound significance of the color red in art and culture at the Seeing Red exhibition, on view from June 15, 2024, to November 9, 2026, in the West Building’s Conservation Gallery. This immersive exhibition delves into the history, symbolism, and materiality of red dyes and pigments, showcasing their role in human expression, status, and spirituality. Featuring artifacts spanning over 5,000 years—from ancient Egyptian jars to contemporary artworks like John Sabraw’s Chroma Iron Dragon—the exhibit reveals how red has symbolized life, death, power, and the divine across civilizations. Discover how artists have harnessed scarce and advanced materials to create red hues that convey deep cultural meanings. Admission is included with general museum entry.
