There was a time when a third of the American public eagerly awaited the weekly delivery of LIFE Magazine. Founded by Henry Luce in 1936 as a general interest magazine, LIFE placed an emphasis on photojournalism, with more space devoted to photos than the printed word. The great photographers of the day were recruited to record the world’s most significant events and extraordinary accomplishments in politics, science, religion, theater, art, and fashion. However, the magazine was not solely devoted to news. Their feature, “LIFE goes to a …”, reflected ordinary readers’ everyday lives – covering everything from high school graduations to debutante parties. Before internet and mobile phone service allowed immediate access to news and images, the world – both big and small – was reflected in LIFE Magazine.
This exhibition features photographs selected from the magazine’s and the photographers’ archives, including works by Margaret Bourke-White, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Harry Benson, Nina Leen, Andreas Feininger, Loomis Dean, Abe Frajndlich, Carl Mydans, and John Dominis, among many others.
LIFE ceased weekly publication in 1972, but remained a monthly publication until 2000 and continued to release special editions. In 2024, the publication rights were acquired with plans to resume regular print issues. LIFE will forever be known as the breakthrough for photography in the culture and a window into 20th century American life.