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Club 57: Film, Performance, and
 Art in the East Village, 1978–1983 @ MoMa

MoMA opened their doors to the fauna of punk feminists, burlesque males, drag queens, weirdos and artists from the mystic Club 57.

Club 57 was a notorious nightclub in the East Village in the 1970s and the 1980s. Located originally in the basement of the Holy Cross Polish National Church on St. Mark’s place and managed mostly by Ann Magnuson.

Does that gives you an idea of how cool used the place used to be? If not, here are some of Magnuson’s star events at Club 57 : “Erotic day-goo art shows,” “Do-It-Yourself’ Punk,” “Androgynous Brush Tetras,” and imagine those parties being packed with people like Madonna, Keith Haring, Basquiat, Frank Holliday and more.

I was born too late but the MoMA at least gives me a chance to explore the punk glamour and alternative spirit of this place and the magic of New York City at the time. The exhibition taps you into the legacy of the staff with posters, videos, costumes, and a program of films related to Club 57.

The best part of the experience and cherry on top of the cake is the cosmic caravan by pop artist Kenny Scharf inspired by the famous parties of the cult club.

Check it out until April 1, 2018, details here.


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