a pilgrimage to 291

Some time ago I posted a blog entry detailing my appreciation for the photography of Alfred Stieglitz, but for his work in introducing new artists to the American public. This was accomplished at his ‘291 Studio’, where artists such as Pablo Picasso, Rodin and Georgia O’Keefe were displayed for the first time.

The Textile Building - original site of the 291 Studio

Despite its significant impact, 291 struggled financially and ultimately closed its doors in 1917. The closure marked the end of an era but did not diminish the gallery’s lasting legacy. The ideas and artists that 291 championed continued to shape the course of modern art in America, solidifying its place in art history.

Given this significance, I felt compelled to visit the site of the studio (291 5th Street) on a recent trip to New York City. Nestled in the Flatiron district, and just a few block away from the iconic building of the same name, the address no longer serves as an art gallery.

Sadly, the structure housing 291 Studio was replaced by the Textile building, built in 1920 as the home for NYC textile tenants. Today, the building at 295 Fifth Avenue has undergone numerous transformations and has been repurposed for commercial use, housing a variety of businesses and offices. While the original 291 studio space is no longer dedicated to art, its legacy lives on in the continued appreciation and evolution of modern art in America.

Visiting the site was a pilgrimage for me. Although history has moved on, iconic architecture such as the Flatiron Building remains. Walking the same blocks as past masters and viewing such iconic scenes was a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of 291 Studio and its contribution to the art world.

The site as it appears today