In 1776, Angry New Yorkers Tore Down a Statue of George III With a Revolutionary Fervor. A New Exhibition Lets You Do It, Too
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2Fce%2Fe4%2Fcee42b31-1ef5-4563-ab1e-e5c28b2cb708%2Fgeorge-iii-statue.jpg&w=1024)
A new exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York allows visitors to virtually recreate the iconic moment when colonists tore down the statue of George III in 1776. The exhibition, titled 'The Occupied City,' highlights New York City's significant role in the American Revolution through immersive experiences and artifacts. It aims to connect visitors with the historical events and individuals who shaped the city during this pivotal time.
- ▪The statue of George III was erected in Manhattan in 1770 and was torn down by colonists on July 9, 1776.
- ▪The exhibition features a simulation where visitors can pull a rope to virtually topple a reproduction of the statue.
- ▪The show covers 7,000 square feet and includes Revolutionary-era artifacts and interactive experiences.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
In 1776, Angry New Yorkers Tore Down a Statue of George III With a Revolutionary Fervor. A New Exhibition Lets You Do It, Too New York City played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. This museum brings the city’s 18th-century history to life through artifacts, immersive environments and interactive experiences Ellen Wexler | Writer and Special Projects Editor May 27, 2026 3:00 p.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source Pulling Down the Statue of George III, Johannes Adam Simon Oertel, engraved by John C. McRae, published by Joseph Laing, 1859 MCNY The imposing 4,000-pound statue of George III arrived in Manhattan in 1770, five years before the start of the American Revolution.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Smithsonian Magazine
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F90%2Fa6%2F90a61754-6f4c-4e92-bb68-a212704aa462%2F21065_lifestyle_cons_02.jpg&w=320)
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F03%2F1f%2F031f1c20-fb8c-45e8-964a-4ba82e2950d8%2Fs-014-c01_1.jpeg&w=320)
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F21%2F3e%2F213e6ee0-ae4b-403e-a75e-516653c10772%2Fgettyimages-139289970.jpg&w=320)
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F88%2F59%2F885977a1-c31a-42e2-8ac9-c39bebe9ded5%2Ferdos4.jpg&w=320)
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F27%2Faa%2F27aa2593-9660-43a6-844d-52af3a7fd996%2Fc69a7443_1.jpg&w=320)
