Through July 22
The Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art proudly features an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the Jefferson R. Burdick collection—a distinguished array of historical baseball cards that chronicles the evolution of America’s favorite pastime through remarkable printed ephemera. Spanning from the 1880s to the mid-20th century, this rare collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and cultural narrative of baseball’s golden era.
Jefferson R. Burdick, an electrician from Syracuse, New York, and a passionate collector born in 1900, dedicated much of his life to gathering an extensive archive of over 300,000 trade cards, postcards, and posters. In 1947, he generously began donating his holdings to The Met, including over 30,000 vintage baseball cards that have since become a cornerstone of the museum’s ephemera collection.
This exhibition features more than one hundred baseball cards dating from 1895 to 1956. These cards, produced using diverse printing processes such as lithography and other early graphic techniques, reveal a spectrum of artistic styles that celebrate legendary players whose names and images helped shape the sport’s enduring legacy. The visual elements capture the spirit and excitement surrounding professional baseball during its formative years, encapsulating the historic and social significance behind each card.
Visitors to The Met Fifth Avenue can explore Gallery 774A to immerse themselves in this cultural archive, gaining an appreciation for the intersection of sport, graphic design, and American history. The exhibition not only preserves the legacy of the athletes represented on these cards but also serves as a testament to Burdick’s lifelong devotion to collecting and conserving this unique form of memorabilia.
For more details and to plan your visit, please refer to the official page: Baseball Cards from the Collection of Jefferson R. Burdick.
