Eclipse of the Sun Now
September 26, 2026 - May 9, 2027
One hundred years ago, George Grosz painted Eclipse of the Sun, a scathing critique of fascism and one of the most significant artworks in the Heckscher Museum’s collection. This exhibition explores the painting’s enduring message alongside politically engaged art created over the last century.
Born in Berlin in 1893, Grosz became a political artist in the aftermath of World War I. His Eclipse of the Sun, created in 1926, satirizes the corruption, violence, and apathy of the German government and society during this period. In the 1930s, when the Nazis labeled him a “degenerate” artist, Grosz fled to the United States. He and his family moved here, to Huntington, New York, in 1947. Following his death in 1959, the Heckscher Museum led a community fundraising campaign to purchase Eclipse of the Sun, ensuring that it would remain accessible to the public as a cornerstone of the collection.
This exhibition places Eclipse of the Sun and other art by Grosz in dialogue with work by leading artists of our time drawn from the collections of the Heckscher Museum and the Art Bridges Foundation. The artworks on view address interrelated themes including war, immigration, civil rights, mass media, and the environment. Eclipse of the Sun Now celebrates the power of art—to offer solace, to foster resistance, and to channel hope.
Curated by Karli Wurzelbacher, PhD, Chief Curator with Meredith A. Brown, PhD, Consulting Curator of Contemporary Art
Andrea B. & Peter D. Klein
Support provided by Art Bridges
Community Voices
Even though it is 100 years old, the painting Eclipse of the Sun remains relevant today. In this video series developed in coordination with the exhibition Eclipse of the Sun Now, community members Dr. Karleen Adam-Comrie, Brandon Ballone, Tiarra Inez Brown, Maggie Deegan, Sueey Gutiérrez, and Hansen Lee share their thoughts about this timeless painting.
These videos are also available in the Museum alongside the exhibition. Captioning in English and Spanish.
The Story Behind the Painting
These videos share the inspiring story of how The Heckscher Museum engaged the entire Huntington community in the collective effort in 1968 to acquire Eclipse of the Sun. Their shared commitment ensured this extraordinary painting would become part of the Museum’s collection for generations to enjoy. In Part II, hear the firsthand perspective of former Heckscher Museum educator Marshall “Mitch” Didier who reflects on working with Eva Gatling and recalls the community-wide effort.
These videos are also available in the Museum alongside the exhibition. Captioning in English and Spanish.
Huntington High School students present Eva Gatling with a check to help purchase Eclipse of the Sun. The Long-Islander, April 25, 1968.
Interactive Station: Give & Receive Messages of Hope & Light
“The America that I now know is still a place of light, a place of opportunities, of risks, of justice, of racism, of injustice, of hunger and excess, of pleasure and growth. Democracy is a constant job, a collective dedication.”
– Felix Gonzalez-Torres
In coordination with the Eclipse of the Sun Now exhibition, the museum invites visitors to pass it forward and share positive messages at this interactive station in the Central Gallery.
Share a message of hope and light that will be passed along, and then receive a message from another visitor from one of the vending machines. For younger visitors, each message is accompanied by a sticker or other surprise trinket!
Tactile Station
The Heckscher Museum continually strives to make the Museum experience accessible to all and engage visitors through all of their senses. This touch opportunity has been specifically designed in coordination with the exhibition Eclipse of the Sun Now and in partnership with the Museum’s Accessibility Advisory Group. In the Museum’s Central Gallery, in-person visitors are invited to touch materials related to four works of art on display, including George Grosz’s Eclipse of the Sun. As they explore with their hands, participants can also listen to audio recordings related to the works of art, including verbal descriptions of each artwork.
Special thanks to Accessibility Advisory Group member Megan Dausch, Accessibility Specialist, Helen Keller National Center, for her collaboration on this project.
Courtney M. Leonard Book
The Heckscher Museum of Art and Planting Fields Foundation have jointly published the first book about nationally recognized artist Courtney M. Leonard (Shinnecock, b. 1980). It represents both the retrospective exhibition COURTNEY M. LEONARD: Logbook 2004-2023 at The Heckscher Museum, and her site-specific installation at Planting Fields, BREACH: Logbook 2023|Root. The pages are filled with insights into Leonard’s sources of inspiration, creative processes, and original interpretations.
New! Eclipse of the Sun Now Merch
Shop the Centennial Collection
Introducing Heckscher merch! Celebrate your love of art with our new collection of Museum-branded merchandise and a special Centennial Collection inspired by the exhibition Eclipse of the Sun Now. Explore unique items commemorating the 100th anniversary of George Grosz’s iconic painting and show off your Heckscher pride!
Shop online at heckscher.org/merch and have your favorite items shipped directly to your door.
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