“This fall, the New-York Historical Society presents a special exhibition that explores the rich, complex, and varied relationships between New Yorkers and their animal companions across the last three centuries. Pets and the City, on view October 25, 2024, through April 20, 2025, surveys how the conception of pets has evolved in tandem with the development of New York—from the role of animals among Indigenous cultures, such as the Lenape and Haudenosaunee, and the hunting culture that accompanied settlers from Europe, to the pampered pets that are considered members of the family today. Through a broad spectrum of works of art, objects, photographs, documents, and memorabilia drawn largely from New-York Historical’s Museum and Library collections, as well as film and television clips, the immersive exhibition also examines the broader social context for New York’s pet population and related topics, including pet adoption, the trafficking of exotic animals, animal rights laws, and the role of service animals. Pets and the City is curated by Roberta J.M. Olson, curator of drawings emerita.” — New-York Historical Society

Installation views of Pets and the City at New-York Historical Society, on view October 25, 2024 through April 20, 2025. Photos by Corrado Serra.

“New York City residents have always loved their pets, and this exhibition reveals the important role that pets have played throughout the city’s history beyond providing companionship to their owners,” said Louise Mirrer, president and CEO, New-York Historical. “I hope visitors come away from this exhibition with a deeper appreciation for the profound impact pets have had on our city’s culture and society and a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of our animals.” 

“In New York City alone, it is estimated there are more than two million animal companions who reign over human hearts, homes, and pocket books,” said Roberta J.M. Olson, curator of drawings emerita. “Given that, it’s fascinating to explore how these creatures rose to such a place of distinction. From the origins of pets among Indigenous people to today’s doggy daycares and cat cafés, this exhibition offers a visual journey through the evolving relationship between Gotham’s people and its animals as the city and its population transformed into a diverse metropolis. City dwellers’ relationships with animals and pets illuminate humanity’s relationship with nature and are the bellwether of our shared future and the fate of our planet.”