Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced today that twelve works of art on loan from the Whitney Museum of American Art are being displayed in the Mayor's ceremonial office and a conference room in City Hall. The selection of artworks - nine paintings and three sculptures - from the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum is a sample of the creativity of New York City in the twentieth century. All twelve of the artists have lived in New York and the works collectively exemplify the diverse experiences that characterize the City.

"I thank the board and staff of the Whitney Museum for the opportunity to showcase these dynamic works of art which celebrate our City," said Mayor Bloomberg. "City Hall houses an outstanding permanent collection and this loan of late 20th century American art is an exciting compliment."

"From its beginnings the Whitney has been at the forefront of New York's creative communities," said Maxwell L. Anderson, Director of the Whitney Museum of American Art. "We're especially honored to share those holdings that were inspired by this great City with the City itself. Having these landmark works at City Hall extends the museum's public outreach well beyond its walls."

The artworks:

Charles H. Alston (1907-1977), Family, 1955, oil on canvas painting.

Francis Criss (1901-1973), Sixth Avenue El, c. 1937, oil on canvas painting.

Alexander Dobkin (1908-1975), The Subway, 1952-59, oil on canvas painting.

Daniel Chester French (1850-1931), Standing Lincoln, 1912, bronze sculpture.

Samuel Halpert (1884-1930), Brooklyn Bridge, 1913, oil on canvas painting.

Keith Haring (1958-1990), Untitled, October 19, 1981, 1981, vinyl paint on tarpaulin.

Alex Katz (b. 1927), Untitled, 1951, oil on gessoed masonite painting.

Gaston Lachaise (1882-1935), Head of a Woman, 1923, bronze sculpture on marble base.

Robert Motherwell (1915-1991), Open 101: Big Orange, 1968-69, synthetic polymer on canvas painting.

Joel Shapiro (b. 1941), Untitled, 1996, bronze sculpture on mahogany base.

Leon Polk Smith (1906-1997), N.Y. City, 1945, oil on canvas painting.

Abraham Walkowitz (1880-1965), Cityscape, c. 1915, oil on canvas painting.

The Whitney Museum of American Art was founded in New York City in 1931. The Museum houses one of the world's foremost collections of twentieth-century American art, including over 12,000 works, comprised of paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations, drawings, prints, and photographs.

In May six sculptures were installed on the lawn of Gracie Mansion, on temporary loan from the Museum of Modern Art. Public viewing tours at Gracie Mansion are available by reservation: 212-570-4751.