In future he wants the recreation committee to have the chance to veto controversial exhibitions.

A rising star in the early 1990's, Mr. Pruitt was on everybody's A list until a politically controversial exhibition brought his career to a halt.

A number of controversial exhibitions took place at that time.

During his tenure Mr. Kleeblatt has organized two of the Jewish Museum's most controversial exhibitions.

In September 2010, Murakami launched his controversial exhibition at the Château de Versailles.

The story of the brotherhood, from its controversial first exhibition to being embraced by the art establishment, has been depicted in two BBC television series.

"We put an emphasis on experimental and controversial exhibitions which might otherwise have difficulty getting funded," said Bonnie Clearwater, the director of the foundation's art programs.

Academics and museum officials see both events as part of a disturbing trend to dismantle rather than defend controversial exhibitions.

In 1972, the present building opened with a controversial exhibition called "Ten," featuring several artists working in non-traditional media.

A succession of controversial exhibitions has renewed calls in Congress to eliminate the endowment entirely.