Openings and Closings: June 2 to June 8

*La Divina Commedia di Dante (Dante and His Poem)* by Domenico di Michelino (1417–1491), 1465. *Via Wikimedia Commons.*

British Library, London, UK

If you’re a history lover but you’d prefer to stay home and get your museum fix, the British Library has you covered. Thanks to the library’s Medieval and Earlier Manuscripts Section, we can now look at a digitized three-dimensional view of images in illuminated manuscripts. Today, we’re looking at the demo of a digitized scene from an early copy of Dante’s Divine Comedy. As we eagerly await the completion of the full digitization project, check here to browse the library’s other digital holdings as well as here to check out the Dante demo.

*Hooded Visorbearer* by Martin Johnson Heade (1819–1904), c. 1863–1864. *Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas; Photograph by Dwight Primiano.*

Thomas Cole Historic Site, Catskill, NY and Olana, Hudson, NY

As summer weather comes to the northeast, the Thomas Cole House and Frederic Church’s estate Olana renew their collaborative Hudson River Skywalk exhibition series. The latest installment, opening June 12, is Cross Pollination: Heade, Cole, Church, & Our Contemporary Moment. The exhibition explores interconnections between art and environmental science from the 19^th century to the present day. The show was inspired by Martin Johnson Heade’s famed series of paintings of hummingbirds in their native habitat, The Gems of Brazil. Sixteen paintings from this series will make their first public appearance in more than twenty years, joined by works from artists ranging from Cole to contemporary painters such as Nick Cave and Dana Sherwood. This exhibition is a must-see if you’re in the Hudson Valley this summer. Make sure to check here or here to plan your trip in advance.

Anti-slavery flag ca. 1861 featuring 13 black and white stripes and 23 stars, which excluded the Confederate states from its star count. The flag reads “No Union With Slavery.” *Jeff R. Bridgman, American Antiques, York, Pennsylvania.*

Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With Flag Day around the corner, the Museum of the American Revolution is preparing to celebrate with a new exhibition opening on June 12: Flags and Founding Documents, 1776–Today. The exhibition will feature rare American flags as well as early state constitutions and the first printing of the U.S. Constitution as it was sent out for ratification in 1787. Many of the flags on view have never been exhibited and their stars and stripes trace the evolution of the country through wars and statehood. As we celebrate Flag Day, the Museum of the American Revolution reminds us to continue to strive to fulfill the promise of the American Revolution. As always, make sure to check here to plan your trip ahead of time.

*Discovery* by Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975), 1920. *Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri;* © *T.H. Benton and R.P. Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank, Trustee/Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.*

Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska

One hundred years ago, the United States went through a period of massive economic, social, and artistic change that resulted in new forms of expression including American Art Deco design. This week, the Joslyn Art Museum is welcoming a new exhibition entitled American Art Deco: Designing for the People, 1918–1939. The exhibition examines the dynamic style of American Art Deco in ten thematic sections, tracing its origins in Paris to its interpretation by influential American artists. Boasting more than 140 works, the exhibition offers museumgoers a glimpse of what “modern” once was. As you’re making your way over to the museum, check here to plan your trip in advance.