3.  Tattooed New York at the New York Historical Society

Tattoos have a long and storied history, from Native Americans to sailors in colonial New York. There was even a ban on tattoos, when in 1961, New York City declared it “unlawful for any person to tattoo a human being,” bringing about an underground tattoo culture. This law remained on the books until 1997.

The exhibit, Tattooed New York will go on view February 3rd at the New York Historical Society, presenting the diverse history and complex story of this art form. With more than 250 elements on view, highlights will include Thomas Edison‘s electric pen and early 20th century tattoo machinery; rare photography documenting the tattoo ban years, and artwork by artists who tattooed during the ban. It will also include work by some of the finest New York tattoo artists of today. The exhibit is curated by Christian Petru Panaite. Tattooed New York will be on view from February 3rd to April 30, 2017.

In addition, The Original Gus Wagner: The Maritime roots of Modern Tattoo will be on view at the South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street, from January 28th through June 4, 2017.