Castellani Art Museum announces opening of groundbreaking exhibition, 'Daredevils of Niagara Falls: The Spectacle of Triumph and Tragedy'

Castellani Art Museum Press Release

Castellani Art Museum is proud to announce the opening of its groundbreaking exhibition, “Daredevils of Niagara Falls: The Spectacle of Triumph and Tragedy,” running from May 22 to Oct. 13, with a special opening reception from 4-8 p.m. June 6.

This extraordinary exhibition offers an immersive journey into one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, and the people who have dared to confront it. From the daring and perilous feats of being encased in a barrel to the tumultuous tightrope walks over the thundering waters, the exhibition captures both courage and recklessness that has surrounded Niagara Falls for over a century.

Curator of Exhibitions Michael J. Beam said, "The daredevil exploits at Niagara Falls are not mere acts of bravado or recklessness; they are living testaments to the indomitable spirit of human determination and the audacious pursuit of the impossible. By preserving and sharing these stories, we kindle the flame of inspiration, encouraging future generations to dream boldly and push the boundaries of what is deemed possible." 

Featuring a selection of artworks, artifacts, photographs and ephemera that depicts Niagara Falls’ extraordinary daredevils, the exhibition pays tribute to notable figures such as Annie Edson, the first known barrel journey survivor in 1901, and The Great Blondin, who walked the tightrope almost a dozen times in 1859-60. Lockport’s own William Leonard Hunt, known as The Great Farini, followed in the footsteps of Blondin with his tightrope stunts in 1860. The exhibition also pays tribute to lesser-known daredevils such as Martha Wagenfuhrer, who first rode a barrel through the Niagara River Rapids a month before Annie Edison's famed ride over the Falls. In 1876, Maria Spelterini, a seasoned circus performer, was the first woman to cross the Niagara River gorge on a tightrope. 

The exhibition juxtaposes the Charles Rand Penney Historical Niagara Falls Print Collection and other artworks depicting Niagara Falls with artifacts from the former Niagara Falls Museum and the Daredevil Hall of Fame Collection, courtesy of owner Jacob Sherman. This unique blend offers an array of interpretations and actual accounts of these pivotal events, capturing the spirit of human daring and the often-tragic outcomes.

Curated by Beam, this exhibition recontextualizes these stunts within the framework of avant-garde performance art, suggesting a reinterpretation of the daredevils' feats as pioneering environmental art and multimedia spectacles. And visitors will enjoy climbing into a 3-D historic photo backdrop of a barrel going over the falls, a perfect photo opportunity with no stunts required.

“Daredevils of Niagara Falls: The Spectacle of Triumph and Tragedy” invites visitors to reflect on the complex interplay of ambition, artistry, and the awe-inspiring might of Niagara Falls. It promises a fascinating experience that combines historical narrative with artistic interpretation.

The exhibition closes with a special feature: a painting by Niagara Falls' own Polly King, connecting to her concurrent retrospective exhibition “Colors Sing to Me: The Life and Art of Polly King,” which also opens on the same night. This thoughtful integration provides an additional layer of artistic depth and perspective, celebrating the culture of Niagara Falls and the human spirit's intricate relationship with both nature and art. This partnership brings together two powerful exhibitions, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of daring, creativity, and the essence of Niagara Falls.

The public is welcome to join Castellani Art Museum for the joint opening of “Daredevils of Niagara Falls: The Spectacle of Triumph and Tragedy” and “Colors Sing to Me: The Life and Art of Polly King” on Thursday, June 6. Registration is encouraged. In addition to CAM’s opening reception, various programs – including public tours – are available to register for at www.castellaniartmuseum.org.