Madonna, the Mayor and the First Amendment

The Sensation exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum sparked controversy when Mayor Rudy Giuliani opposed a painting of a black Madonna with elephant dung. The museum faced legal battles over funding and free speech, ultimately winning in court. Despite the controversy, the exhibition attracted significant public interest and attendance, highlighting the provocative nature of contemporary art. The exhibition's legacy endures, with some artworks now housed in major art institutions.

What was the outcome of the court case regarding the exhibition?

How did the controversy affect attendance at the Brooklyn Museum?

What does the speaker suggest about condemning works of art before allowing them to be seen?