The New Colossus

In 1903, Emma Lazarus breathed new life into the image of the Statue of Liberty with her poem “The New Colossus,” a moving ode to Jewish exiles and refugees. The collective exhibition, curated by Nao Matsumoto and Cibeles Vieira, reinterprets this foundational text, exploring the themes of American identity through contemporary paintings, drawings, and installations. The exhibition invites a deep reflection on immigration, belonging, and the evolution of the Statue of Liberty symbol, which remains as relevant as ever. It sheds light on the historical context of Lazarus’s work, her Jewish heritage, and her impact on the reception of newcomers at Ellis Island, particularly during World War I. This exhibition offers a novel perspective on American history, linking Lazarus’s poem to the experience of immigrants and the continuing significance of the statue. The event is free from March 21st to April 19th, 2026.