Double Feature: Arresting Beauty & A Lively Mind at the Morgan library | 8/9

Double Feature: Arresting Beauty & A Lively Mind at the Morgan library | 8/9
Join us on Saturday, August 9th for a thoughtfully curated afternoon of culture, conversation, and community as we explore the lives and legacies of two extraordinary women: pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and beloved author Jane Austen, led by guide Helen Lee. This dual exhibition experience offers a unique opportunity to witness the bold, expressive, and deeply personal work of artists who reshaped the cultural landscapes of their time.
We’ll begin with a brunch at 1:00 PM at the stylish Madison & Vine, a cozy, upscale American bistro just steps from the Morgan. Connect with fellow art and literature lovers over great food, shared ideas, and creative energy.
Afterward, join us at 3:00 PM for a guided tour of the Morgan Library & Museum’s acclaimed exhibitions:
Arresting Beauty: Julia Margaret Cameron showcases evocative, soft-focus portraits, rare archival materials, and personal writings from photography’s first recognized artist—whose lens captured the soul of the Victorian age with daring originality.
A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250 immerses visitors in the world of the legendary novelist through manuscripts, letters, family heirlooms, and the story of how her literary genius rose from obscurity to global celebration.
Together, these exhibitions offer a compelling conversation across mediums, inviting reflection on artistry, legacy, and the power of a woman’s voice - and we’ll have the pleasure of being guided through it all by the ever-animated and insightful, Helen Lee.
Why You Should Attend:
🍽️ Enjoy a stylish brunch with fellow creatives and thinkers at Madison & Vine before diving into the day’s cultural journey.
🎞️ Discover the ground-breaking artistry of Julia Margaret Cameron—whose images of Victorian luminaries and mythic tableaux remain startlingly modern.
📖 Explore the personal and professional evolution of Jane Austen through rare artifacts and early editions that reveal her creative resilience.
🧠 Deepen your understanding of women’s contributions to art and literature in an era that often sought to silence them—and find inspiration in their timeless defiance.
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Full schedule:
1:00 PM | Member’s brunch at Madison & Vine
299 Madison Ave
2:50 PM | Meet for 3pm tour at the Morgan Library & Museum
225 Madison Avenue
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Non-member Tickets:
Museum/tour only: $70 early bird through 7/19; $75 full price
Art-full Member Tickets:*
Museum/tour only: $65 early bird through 7/19; $70 full price
Full experience with brunch: $110 early bird through 7/19; $115 full price
*Premier members save an additional 20%. Learn more about membership here.
Spaces are limited for this special event—secure your spot now and don’t miss this unique chance to celebrate the legacy of a pioneering woman who shaped the literary world.