
The Squid’s Embrace:
A History of the Mollusk in New York City
The Squid’s Embrace traces New York’s enduring fascination with the colossal squid. From Dutch prints to 19th-century art and early photography, the exhibition reveals how the creature inspired both creative expression and spiritual devotion. Pilgrims continue to visit the city each year as a holy destination, while others fashion totems and rituals in its honor. Though absent from the harbor for over a century, the squid’s presence endures—in art, design, and belief.





