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 proud symbol of their workforce and image would ensure for years to come. Conservation Solutions—now known as 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 their 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 such a fate, belying any such claims from the company of having an arrangement underway.
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 an exiguous timeframe for implementation, the Bel-Jon Art Preservation Alliance was formed in coordination with the Bel-Jon family, cultural heritage practitioners, architects, and other lauded advisors to determine what costs and resources would be needed to dutifully deinstall, transport, and restore the work in anticipation 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 access in its totality in alignment with the express wishes of the artist’s heirs. Such a retrieval became possible through enormous outreach to major philanthropic benefactors to fund such a multifaceted undertaking.
After the press began to recognize the significance at play, coverage from preeminent outlets like the Associated Press and The New York Times 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—in consultation with outside experts–identified requisite partners, plotted a methodology for proper deinstallation, contracted with a competent art handler, and selected safe climate-controlled storage. Several alternatives were being considered when, unannounced, Pfizer decided to abruptly reclaim their orphaned mural several months after first departing. Materials and support were offered immediately, but while thanked for them, Pfizer opted instead to dangerously go on their own in the middle of the night with labor that was apparently unskilled. When prompted on numerous occasions for what the ultimate location will be, the only response has been to underscore an unceremonious return to their private collection at an undisclosed, secured site. This is a striking contrast from policies of the six decades prior at Pfizer where transparency and reasonable approachability were the rule, instead of an exception.
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 visionary legacy, especially on behalf of those are unable to realize or understand such value.