FRANCE. Paris, 1989.
Elliott Erwitt (1928–2023)
A celebrated photographer known for his iconic, witty, humanistic images, Erwitt was born in Paris and grew up in Europe before emigrating to the United States in 1939. He developed a love for photography as a teenager in Hollywood and later served as a photographer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Dogs were a constant source of insight into humanity for Erwitt. He expressed his deep fondness for them within much of his work, now held in major museum collections worldwide.
On view January 23 – March 15, 2026
On view Jan 23 – March 15, 2026
This exhibition brings together iconic street photographers Elliott Erwitt (1928–2023)
and Jill Freedman (1939–2019), both masters at capturing the humor, heart, and humanity our canine companions bring to our daily life.
Erwitt’s sly, unforgettable dog portraits meet Freedman’s raw, soulful street scenes, revealing dogs not as props but as full, vibrant main characters. Together, their images offer a lively, deeply moving portrait of mid-century America seen through the eyes of the pets who make it unforgettable.
Members Exhibition Preview
Thursday, Jan 22 • 5 – 7 PM
in our Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries
Free to attend with RSVP. Members age 14+ only, please.
Each Adult Member may bring up to 4 registered guests to this event.
Experience the Exhibition
- Members Exhibition Preview — Thursday, January 22 from 5-7 pm
- Paint Your Pet — Nights Out Adult Program — Thursday, February 12 from 6-8 pm
Every Inch a Lady at the Bridgehampton Horse Show, 1986
Jill Freedman (1939–2019)
A highly respected New York City documentary photographer, Freedman’s passion for photography was initially sparked by off-limits copies of Life Magazine she discovered in her attic as a child. She became known for her evocative street and documentary work, now part of major museum collections worldwide. She published seven books capturing life, work and communities with intimacy and insight while living and working in New York City's Greenwich Village.
All Elliott Erwitt:
© Elliott Erwitt / Magnum Photos
All Jill Freedman:
© Jill Freedman Family Estate