Origins & Early Life

Henry Geldzahler (July 9, 1935 – August 16, 1994) was a Belgian-born American curator of contemporary art in the late 20th century, as well as a historian and critic of modern art. He is best known for his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and as New York City Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, and for his social role in the art world with a close relationship with contemporary artists. He has been described as "the most powerful and controversial art curator alive" and the art critic of The New Yorker magazine Calvin Tomkins said "If you were involved in any way in the [cultural] world, you met Henry". Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Geldzahler's Jewish family emigrated to the United States in 1940.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He graduated from Yale University in 1957, where he was a member of Manuscript Society. After graduating from Yale, he began work on a doctorate in art history at Harvard University. In 1960, Geldzahler left Harvard to join the staff of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. He became the Curator for American Art there, and later the first Curator for 20th Century Art. Among his closest friends were artist Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Geldzahler is the subject...

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