A special exhibition on the first floor of the Allentown Art Museum explores the influence of global culture on American art through depictions of the Christian figure of the Virgin Mary. Evolution of the Spiritual is showcased in the museum’s Kress Gallery.

This is the first in a series of American art exhibitions taking place through a multiyear partnership with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made possible by the Art Bridges and Terra Foundation Initiative.

The Allentown Art Museum was selected by the Philadelphia Museum of Art as one of eight partners working collaboratively to engage communities across Pennsylvania with American art.

Visitors will be afforded a rare opportunity to engage with eight artworks depicting the Madonna that span time and place. Evolution of the Spiritual explores connections between European and American art, tracking the development and evolution of an iconic image.

Assembled together are 15th and 16th century Italian and German paintings from the Allentown Art Museum’s famed Kress Collection along with an early 18th century Peruvian painting and an 18th century Mexican painting from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection.

This focused exhibition culminates in imagery that exemplifies the profound influence of global culture on the art of this country.

A guided tour of the exhibition will be offered free to visitors on March 1, 15, 19, 22 and 29.

For more information, visit AllentownArtMuseum.org.