Al Hirschfeld’s Art Show and Poster Book launch at The Algonquin Hotel NYC -Sep 09 to 20

The Algonquin Hotel, a historic landmark in Midtown Manhattan, has long been a hub for literary and theatrical figures. It is particularly famous as the meeting place for the Algonquin Round Table of the 1920s, that brought together luminaries such as Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Harold Ross, Alexander Woollcott, Franklin Adams, and Robert Sherwood — a circle of wit and intellect that shapep American literature and journalism.

The hotel, which opened in 1902, was designed by architect Goldwin Starrett and became a center for New York’s creative community under the management of Frank Case. 

Artist Al Hirschfeld, whose career spanned 82 years, made drawings that were often said to look more like the person they pictured than the actual person himself. Known for his distinctive black-and-white caricatures of show-business personalities, he was a frequent visitor to the Algonquin and documented many of its famous guests. His work, which graced the pages of The New York Times for over seven decades, is often featured in exhibitions at the hotel.

​Al Hirschfeld’s style is defined by a linear, calligraphic approach to caricature. His black-and-white drawings use fluid, continuous lines to capture the essence of a person, often with minimal detail and an absence of shading. This unique style, which he developed after a trip to Bali, has made his name into a verb: “to be Hirschfelded” became a sign that a performer had achieved a certain level of fame.

​A hallmark of Hirschfeld’s work is the hiding of his daughter’s name, “NINA,” within the lines of his drawings. Starting in 1945, the year of her birth, he would embed the name in hair, clothing folds, or other parts of the composition as a playful game for readers. Later, he began adding a number next to his signature to indicate how many times “NINA” was hidden, turning the search into a popular game.

The exhibition “Strokes of Genius: Hirschfeld at the Algonquin” will be on display in the hotel’s Oak Room from September 9 to September 20, 2025, and will include original drawings and prints.

In paralell, Helicline Fine Art presents “Hirschfeld: Strokes of Genius,” an exclusive online exhibition. Timed to coincide with the live show at The Algonquin, this digital showcase features over five dozen original drawings and lithographs. 

Each piece, personally signed and numbered by Hirschfeld, captures the magic of Broadway, Hollywood, television, music, and comedy. You can view and purchase the artwork through HeliclineFineArt.com , 1stDibs.com, and Artsy.net, Part of the proceeds benefits Broadway.

Explore a dazzling collection of over two dozen works by Al Hirschfeld. From Judy Garland at The Palace to Gwen Verdon in Redhead, experience the magic of Broadway and Hollywood through the eyes of a master.

​To honor the launch of the new book, Hirschfeld’s Sondheim, this exhibition includes a special display dedicated to the work of Stephen Sondheim. Discover original drawings, rare lithographs, and signed portraits—including a limited-edition piece signed by Julie Andrews and a portrait of Sondheim signed by the composer himself. See the lines that captured a generation of stars!

The book is authored by David Leopold, the Creative Director of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation. It contains 25 removable posters of Al Hirschfeld’s art of Stephen Sondheim’s musicals.  

You can get a copy of the poster book at Al Hirschfeld Foundation book shop.

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection
1212 840 6800
59 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
marriot.com

#alhirschfeld #alhirschfeldfoundation #algonquinhotel #alhirschfeld #broadway #artshow #caricature #heliclinefineart #1stdibs #artsy #stephensondheim #johnleguizamo #bernadettepeters #barbrastresiand #tonycurtis #sidneypoitier #thephantonoftheopera #fredastaire #gingerrogers #cabaret #lizaminnelli #joelgrey #carolchanning #hellodolly