An Important Relocation Effort
Nikos Bel-Jon’s acclaimed mural, “Medical Research Through the Ages,” was installed in the world headquarters of Pfizer Corp. in 1962 where it boldly announced the public face of this groundbreaking company. During subsequent restorations of the 42nd Street lobby in the 1990’s, significant investments were made to ensure this symbol of their workforce and image would ensure for years to come. Conservation Solutions—now EverGreene Architectural Arts—performed ongoing restorations in 1997, 2001, and 2011. When Pfizer opted to relocate their offices to Hudson Yards on the West Side, questions arose over potential placement in a new leased space. Without a contingency plan in place for this remarkable commission, the onus was left by Pfizer to the new owner to decide a possible fate, belying any claims of recognizing the significance from the start.
In August of 2024, Bel-Jon’s daughters were alerted that the lobby was scheduled for demolition with the urgent need to orchestrate a procedure to ensure the safety of the artwork for future preservation. Faced with a short timeframe for implementation, the Bel-Jon Art Preservation Alliance was formed in coordination with the Bel-Jon family, cultural heritage experts, and outside advisors to determine what costs and resources would be needed to dutifully deinstall, transport, and restore the work which would then be presented to potential partnerships for a new home. Even amidst such a short timeframe, an unwavering priority was placed on retaining the original character and finding a site which would provide public access in its totality in alignment with the wishes of the artist’s heirs. Such a retrieval became possible through enormous outreach to philanthropic benefactors to fund such a multifaceted undertaking.
Realizing the world-class significance of what was on offer, the Bel-Jon Preservation Alliance was able to gain coverage from the Associated Press and The New York Times which brought international attention to the plight of this mural and generated enormous interest in the outcome across America and abroad. By October of 2024, the committee had plotted a methodology for safe deinstallation, contracted with a competent art handler, and selected climate-controlled storage in the interim. Several alternatives were being considered when, unannounced, Pfizer decided to abruptly reclaim their orphaned mural. Materials and support were offered immediately, but while thanked for them, Pfizer opted instead to recklessly go on their own in the middle of the night with apparent unskilled labor. When prompted on numerous occasions for what the ultimate location will be, the only answer has been to underscore an unceremonious return to their private collection at an undisclosed secured location. We remain hopeful that one day this masterpiece will one day be seen again.
The Bel-Jon Art Preservation Alliance continues in support of affirming Bel-Jon’s groundbreaking legacy, especially for who are unable to realize or understand such value,
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