Historic 'Alice in Wonderland' Mural from New Deal Era Unveiled in NYC
A historic mural depicting 'Alice in Wonderland' characters, originally created for a children's hospital ward during the New Deal era, has been unveiled for public display at the Museum of the City of New York. The mural, titled 'Alice of Wonderland Visiting New York,' was crafted by artist Abram Champanier between 1938 and 1940 as part of a federally funded WPA project. It was initially installed at Gouverneur Hospital on the Lower East Side, where it provided a colorful escape for young tuberculosis patients. The mural was saved from destruction in 1981 when the hospital was gutted, thanks to the efforts of conservators and volunteers. Now, all 16 panels, including two that were recreated from destroyed sections, are part of an exhibit called 'Another Wonderland: Abram Campanier’s Alice Mural.' The exhibit opened on June 6, 2026, and showcases the mural's vibrant depictions of Alice and her friends exploring iconic New York landmarks.