The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry has opened a new poster exhibit, The Art of Smiles: Posters Around the World, in the museum's Saccente Gallery.
Visitors will view a sampling of the museum's collection of rare dental advertising posters from Europe and the United States. The original posters were used to advertise dental products, such as toothpaste, toothbrushing liquids and powders, toothbrushes, mouthwash and pain relievers from 1900s to 1950s. The posters were created for advertising dentifrice products in pharmacies and variety stores and are bold in color, reflecting the artistic style of the early 20th century.
The exhibit also includes a selection of the museum's stamp collection that incorporates dental product advertising.
"Sometimes stamp printers included an advertisement on the back of the stamp, so when an individual licked the stamp, they would see an advertisement," states Dr. Scott Swank, Curator, NMD.
WHEN: The Art of Smiles: Posters Around the World -- Free with museum admission -- Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibit through December 31, 2004 in the Saccente Gallery
WHERE: The National Museum of Dentistry, 31 South Greene Street in Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410.706.0600
www.dentalmuseum.org
NOTES: The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, is a lively national center where visitors learn the importance of a healthy smile and are fascinated by the rich history of dentistry. The permanent exhibition, 32 Terrific Teeth is home of celebrity smiles, Queen Victoria's gilded dental instruments, George Washington's not-so-wooden teeth and the Tooth Jukebox - playing vintage dental commercials. The museum offers a wide variety of changing exhibitions and celebrations for the family throughout the year.
The National Museum of Dentistry inspires people to make healthy choices about oral health by creating and sharing learning opportunities that celebrate the heritage and future of dentistry, the achievements of dental professionals and the importance of oral health in a healthy life. In November 2003, President Bush signed into law a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress designating the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry as the nation's official dental museum. www.dentalmuseum.org
Location: 31 South Greene Street (a short walk from Baltimore's Inner Harbor attractions)
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. / Sundays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults - $4.50 / Youths, Senior Citizens, Students - $2.50 / Under 6 - Free / Members - Free
