From Kerouac’s On the Road to car commercials starring Matthew McConaughey, driving has been portrayed again and again as a quintessentially American act. On the latest episode of “Shelf Life,” we discuss how road maps started promoting this idea in the early 20th century.

A full half-century since the famous Chicago Picasso put its iconic stamp on the city’s downtown, art historian Patricia Stratton visits the Newberry to tell the story behind the magnificent piece of public art. 

We’re thrilled to share the details of a major renovation that will transform our historic main floor by providing visitors with new opportunities to interact with our collection and staff. Consisting of both new and redesigned spaces, the renovation includes an information center, a permanent exhibition gallery, and an expanded bookstore.