Commemorating Jane Austen's 250th anniversary, The Morgan Library and Museum showcases an impressive exhibition, with a limited viewing period of just one month.
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of literary icon Jane Austen, The Morgan Library & Museum in New York is hosting an exhibition titled "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250". This exhibition, open until September 14, 2025, delves into the extraordinary circumstances that allowed Austen to publish her now-beloved novels, despite women not typically being encouraged to pursue writing in her time.
The exhibition sheds light on Austen's journey from her early writings as a teenager to her rise as a globally recognized author. It showcases letters, manuscripts, first editions, and artifacts from the Morgan’s collection, multiple institutions, and even iconic items from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, England – some never before shown in the US.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the support Austen received from her household, which fostered her ambition, and American audiences who first encountered her work through an unauthorized edition of Emma. The display also honours the 50th anniversary of a significant donation by Alberta H. Burke, whose private Austen collection greatly enriched the Morgan’s holdings.
Juliette Wells, the guest curator and Professor of Literary Studies, provides insightful commentary on many pieces through audio guides, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Austen’s life and literary impact. Curator-led tours are also available to further illuminate these aspects.
It's fascinating to note that Austen's creative pursuits from a young age were unusual at the time. Yet, her work continues to resonate with readers across generations, with American audiences having supported her for generations. Today, it's common for women to pursue writing and be encouraged in their creative endeavors, making Austen's legacy all the more remarkable.
[1] The Morgan Library & Museum, Press Release, "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250", [link] [2] The New York Times, "A Celebration of Jane Austen at The Morgan Library & Museum", [link] [3] The Guardian, "Jane Austen at 250: the exhibition that shows how she defied the odds", [link] [4] The Wall Street Journal, "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250", [link] [5] The Washington Post, "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250", [link]
Visitors of the exhibition "A Lively Mind: Jane Austen at 250" at The Morgan Library & Museum can learn about the impact that Austen's home-and-garden environment had on her writing, fostering her ambition. In addition, the exhibition discusses the enduring influence of Austen's novels on various lifestyles, demonstrating the universal and timeless nature of her feverish literary genius.
