If you’re captivated by wild tales of lost treasures, high-stakes art dealings, and all the drama behind the world’s greatest museums, this is a must-read. Thomas Hoving dishes on juicy art world gossip, power struggles, and how blockbuster exhibitions like King Tut’s tour changed the game forever. It’s perfect for anyone who loves art, New York history, or wants an inside scoop on cultural institutions. If you enjoyed the TV show Succession or have ever dreamed of being a museum curator, you’ll be fully hooked.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers may not vibe with Hoving’s open, sometimes egotistical style or his willingness to air a lot of dirty laundry. If you’re looking for dry academic tone or pure art history, you might find this too much soap opera and not enough scholarship. The juicy personal details and candid assessments of famous people also aren’t for everyone - especially if you prefer your art world behind velvet ropes and shrouded in mystery.

An addictive, candid behind-the-scenes look at the art world’s power plays and personalities - fun, gossipy, and eye-opening for art lovers and museum buffs alike.

About:

Making the Mummies Dance: Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art by Thomas Hoving is a captivating memoir that delves into the behind-the-scenes workings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the 1960s and 70s. Hoving's writing style is described as candid, exhilarating, and unapologetic, providing readers with a glimpse into the intrigue, gossip, and dubious methods of acquiring art that characterized his tenure as the museum's director. The book offers insight into the evolution of museum ethics and the professionalization of museums over the last half-century, while also highlighting the fascinating and progressive character of Hoving himself.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is direct, humorous, and engaging, making complex topics accessible to readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on the inner workings of the Metropolitan Museum and the complexities of art acquisition and museum management.

Setting:

The setting primarily takes place in the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the dynamic cultural atmosphere of the 1960s and 70s.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, designed to keep the reader's attention throughout.

Genres:

memoir

art history

nonfiction

Topics:

metropolitan museum of art

art acquisition controversies

Notes:

The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the 1960s and 70s.

Thomas Hoving was the director of the Met and wrote this memoir based on his experiences.

It discusses the intrigues and gossip within elite museum circles.

Hoving was instrumental in creating mega blockbuster art exhibitions, like the Treasures of King Tut.

The book reveals dubious methods of acquiring art and the social dynamics of the New York art scene.

The author is candid and does not hold back on his opinions of notable personalities.

He emphasizes how museums have become more professionalized over the last fifty years.

Hoving's writing style is described as engaging and fun to read, making the book a page-turner.

He also authored a follow-up book called False Impressions, which covers art forgery.

The memoir was considered scandalous upon its release for exposing museum mechanics.

From The Publisher:

From Simon & Schuster, Making the Mummies Dance: Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a unforgettable autobiography for any arts and culture fans.

A former Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art reveals his bold and brash life at its pinnacle: the clandestine deals which secured blockbuster exhibitions for the museum and made him a legend.

1993

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448 pages

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Making the Mummies Dance: Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Thomas Hoving

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