Quick Facts

Exhibit: “Attack on New Ulm: One Painting, Many Perspectives”

Date: Sept. 16, 2017-Jan. 14, 2018

Art Gallery Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 1-4 p.m.

Place: James J. Hill House Art Gallery, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul

Cost: Free

ST. PAUL — A new exhibit featuring the painting “Attack on New Ulm” by Anton Gag will open in the James J. Hill House art gallery Sept. 16, the Minnesota State Historical Society (MSHS) said Monday.

Painted in 1904, the work has been displayed in various locations around the Minnesota State Capitol since 1923. After public input, MSHS Executive Council voted to remove the painting from the Capitol in December 2016. It said the painting is not original to the building and represents a single painful moment in the complex story of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

“Attack on New Ulm” offers opportunities for learning, dialogue and reflection outside of the Capitol, and this new exhibit at the Hill House features interpretation that explores the painting from multiple current perspectives, the MSHS said. The exhibit is also linked to the “Reconciling History: Views on Two Paintings” exhibit, which opened at the Capitol in August.

Both exhibits were developed by conducting video interviews with Ojibwe and Dakota community members, historians, Western art experts and settler descendants. Transcribed excerpts from the interviews are featured in the exhibits, and edited video interviews will be accessible on the Capitol and James J. Hill House websites.

Visitors can join the program “Making Meaning on Anton Gag’s ‘Attack on New Ulm” on Sept. 21 and 28 to share thoughts about the varied meanings of this artwork in a small group dialogue, the MSHS said.

“Attack on New Ulm” will be on display through Jan. 14, 2018, and is free and open to the public.