Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1959.1715me c |
Object Name |
Token |
Title |
Peale Museum (New York) Admission Token |
Artist |
Unknown |
Date |
after 1825 |
Description |
Obverse: profile portrait of Athena in helmet with "PARTHENON NEW YORK 1825" around perimeter Reverse: "ADMIT BEARER" in center. "PEALES MUSEUM & GALLERY OF THE FINE ARTS" around perimeter. |
Label |
Inspired by the success of his father Charles Willson Peale's Philadelphia Museum, Rubens Peale opened the New York Peale Museum in October 1825, partly to capitalize on the celebrations and festivities surrounding the opening of the Erie Canal. Rubens had administered his father's museum in Philadelphia before moving to New York. This admission token was likely used by annual subscribers as a method of entry. The Museum was located at 252 Broadway, in a building known as the Parthenon. Inspired by the eponymous building, the admission coin includes a portrait of Athena, to whom the original Parthenon was dedicated. The New York Peale Museum, much like the Peale Museum in Philadelphia, displayed art, natural history materials, and also included exotic items such as mummies. In 1840, Peale changed the name of the museum to the New York Museum of Natural History and Science, and he sold it to P.T. Barnum in 1843. |
Material |
White metal |
Dimensions |
Dia-1.375 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century advertising |