An icon of American graphic design, Milton Glaser lent his visionary aesthetic to this 1979 poster celebrating the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, known here as “The New Mechanic.” With its bold geometry, expressive typography, and surreal imagery, the poster reflects Glaser’s inimitable blend of theatrical flair and design sophistication.
The image exudes a kinetic sense of modernism—anchored by a vividly stylized human figure, possibly mechanical or masked, set against a stark white background. This character embodies both the mechanization of modern life and the drama of the performing arts—a fitting duality for a venue that became a hub for Broadway touring productions and avant-garde performances alike.
Commissioned to promote the Baltimore Center for Performing Arts, the work situates the Mechanic Theatre not only as a physical space but as a creative crucible in the heart of Baltimore’s cultural life. Glaser's signature is clear in the vibrant palette, intelligent play of scale, and a sense of theatricality that turns viewers into participants.
Today, this poster is a poignant artifact of a vanished landmark—the Mechanic Theatre was demolished in 2014. Yet Glaser’s poster endures as a brilliant tribute to an era of bold cultural investment, and as a testament to the power of design to immortalize architecture, memory, and art itself.
Exhibition - Show - United States
Morris A. Mechanic Theater
Very good condition
Sign up & benefit from discounts or exclusive offers.