Aileys emphasis on storytelling and emotion left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of dancers and choreographers worldwide.

Curator Adrienne Edwards callsEdges of Aileyan extravaganza, and it truly lives up to the name.

Presented in two parts,Edges of Aileyconsists of an immersive exhibition in the Museums 18,000-square-foot, fifth-floor galleries.

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

Alvin Ailey. (Photo: John Lindquist)

The impressive installation includes artworks from over 80 artists, past and present.

Themes explore Black history, culture, spirituality, and the impact of Black migration.

All of these fascinating elements come together to give a complete picture of Aileys personal and creative journey.

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

1970

Hollywood Africans by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1983.

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“A Knave Made Manifest” by Lynette Yiadom Boakye, 2024

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“AIDS Memorial Quilt with Alvin Ailey panel” by Anonymous, 1987

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“The Way to the Promised Land (Revival Series)” by Benny Andrews, 1994

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“Billie #21” by Lyle Ashton Harris, 2002

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“Souvenir IV” by Kerry James Marshall, 1998

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“Gettin' Religion” by Archibald John Motley, Jr., 1948

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“Fly Trap,” by Lynette Yiadom Boakye, 2024

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

Fred Fehl, Judith Jamison, Clive Thompson, and other dancers in Streams, ca. 1970

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“Hollywood Africans” by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1983. (Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met)

Edges of Ailey, the Whitney Museum of American Art

“Together We Will Win,” by Wadsworth Jarrell, 1973. (Photo: Eugene Kim / My Modern Met)