New York Nightclubs 1980s: When Art and Nightlife Mixed

For art lovers in the 1980s, it was not just about attending gallery openings and theater events, it also involved participating in New York’s lively nightclub scene. Although the staple for clubs was live music, they also hosted art exhibitions, performance art, and experimental film and video. During the 80s almost every gallery opening, film premiere, theater debut, fashion show, and book publication was followed by a nightclub after-party. Clubs were the places where artists mingled, and the clubs competed for their patronage.

It is no surprise that Gallery 98 has a large selection of nightclub invitations. The same people who were on the mailing lists for galleries were also on the mailing lists for clubs. We have included here a few items connected to the most prominent clubs. You can see more at our online exhibition The Night Time Is The Right Time: N.Y.C. Nightclub Ephemera, 1980s.

https://www.traditionrolex.com/14

Studio 54 (1977–1980, under Steve Rubell & Ian Schrager)

Mudd Club (1978–1983)

The Mudd Club was named after Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd, who was imprisoned for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth concerning the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Club 57 (1978–1983)

Danceteria (1979–1986)

3 Teens Kill 4 included artist David Wojnarowicz.

AREA (1983–1987)

Limelight (1983–1998)

Palladium (1985–1997)

Cat Club (1985–1990)

Tunnel (1986–2001)