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Object Timeline

1946

  • Work on this object began.

1960

  • Work on this object ended.

1991

  • We acquired this object.

2014

2024

  • You found it!

Sidewall, Milky Way

This is a sidewall. It is dated 1946–1960 and we acquired it in 1991. Its medium is machine printed on paper. It is a part of the Wallcoverings department.

The development of telescopes increased the thirst for knowledge about outer space, while the launch of early satellites, USSR’s Sputnik in 1957, and the USA’s Explorer One in 1958, captivated the world. A proliferation of science fiction movies about space travel in the 1950s made this seem like a reality and fueled the imaginations of boys and adults alike.

This object was donated by Suzanne Lipschutz. It is credited Gift of Suzanne Lipschutz.

Its dimensions are

171 x 76 cm (67 5/16 x 29 15/16 in. )

Cite this object as

Sidewall, Milky Way; possibly USA; machine printed on paper; 171 x 76 cm (67 5/16 x 29 15/16 in. ); Gift of Suzanne Lipschutz; 1991-89-60

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18638059/ |title=Sidewall, Milky Way |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=20 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>