“IDEALIZED SCHOOL”: This work by Louis Kahn is among more than 100 objects from 25 collections featured in “Dreaming of Utopia: Roosevelt, New Jersey,” on view November 15 through May 10 at Morven Museum & Garden. An opening reception is November 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Morven Museum & Garden explores the history and culture of Roosevelt, N.J. — from an experimental immigrant utopia to artist colony — with more than 100 objects from 25 collections shown together for the first time in “Dreaming of Utopia: Roosevelt, New Jersey,” on view November 15 through May 10, 2020. An opening reception is November 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 55 Stockton Street.

“Roosevelt, New Jersey is an interesting iteration of the American story,” said Morven Executive Director Jill Barry. “Started as a government experiment to improve the lives of city-dwelling factory workers, the idea of a farming/factory communal utopia quickly soured, and in its place an artist-led Eden emerged. The unique canvas of a constructed modern community fostered the blossoming of a dynamic creative class in the 1950-60s that continues to echo through to modern day.”

Included in this exhibition, guest co-curated by Ilene Dube, are works by legendary artists Ben and Bernarda Bryson Shahn, Jacob Landau; Gregorio Prestopino; Liz Dauber; Rex Goreleigh; Louise and Edwin Rosskam; Sol Libsohn; David Stone Martin and his son, Stefan Martin; and Robert Mueller; as well as contemporary artists Jonathan Shahn, Ani Rosskam, Bill Leech, and others.

“Although working more than 80 years ago, Roosevelt artists addressed issues still very much relevant today: civil rights, economic equality, immigration, labor issues and fair pay, the right to free speech, peace and justice,” said Dube.

Morven Museum & Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission to the Museum is $10; seniors and students, $8. Friends of Morven and children under 6, as well as active military personnel, are free of charge. For more information, visit www.morven.org.