Description:

In 1990, the art world and the legal system collided in a Cincinnati courtroom. At the center of the "Trial of the Century" was Dennis Barrie, a museum leader who risked a jail sentence to defend the First Amendment and the right to exhibit the work of Robert Mapplethorpe.

Join us for a special screening of the Golden Globe-winning film 'Dirty Pictures' (2000), followed by an exclusive appearance and conversation with Dennis Barrie. This is a rare opportunity to hear about the trial that reshaped American culture from the person who stood his ground against charges that shocked the nation.

 Program Highlights:

• Feature Presentation: A screening of Dirty Pictures, starring James Woods as Dennis Barrie. The film dramatizes the intense public outcry, the police raid on the museum, and the high-stakes legal battle that followed.
•  A Firsthand Perspective: Following the film, Dennis Barrie will reflect on the events depicted on screen and share his unique, personal perspective on the 1990 trial.
•  The Legacy of the Trial: A conversation on the real-life impact of the Mapplethorpe case and its lasting influence on museum curation, censorship, and artistic expression.
•  Audience Q&A will follow. This is a unique chance to ask questions about a pivotal moment in American museum history.