The Bowery, once a Lenape footpath, has evolved into one of New York’s most iconic and tumultuous thoroughfares. The upcoming The Bowery: Devil’s Mile exhibition at the New Museum delves into 400 years of history, from its early emancipation as a free Black settlement to its heyday as an amusement center and punk mecca.

Featuring artifacts like a hand-pump fire engine and works by artists such as Keith Haring and Lynda Benglis, the exhibition will showcase the Bowery’s journey through various waves of immigration, economic downturns, and cultural revivals. The museum aims to present a holistic view of this complex street, from its beginnings to modern times.

From colonial New Amsterdam to the Great Depression era, the Bowery has seen it all. Muckraker Jacob Riis brought attention to squalor, but artists like Mark Rothko and William Burroughs found inspiration amid the grit. The exhibition will explore how this street's history reflects broader themes of urban development, cultural identity, and artistic expression.

As the New Museum prepares to open its expanded building with a show about its own home turf, visitors can expect an immersive experience that celebrates both the Bowery’s notorious past and its enduring spirit. The exhibition will run from September 24 onwards, offering a unique perspective on one of New York City's most fascinating streets.