There is still time to “Do the Right Thing” and catch the “Spike Lee: Creative Sources” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum.
The exhibit, which displays more than 450 items from the Brooklyn-born filmmaker’s personal collection, is now running until Feb. 11 at the 200 Eastern Parkway institution.
“Don’t miss this special glimpse into the personal collection of one of the most influential and prolific American filmmakers and directors,” Brooklyn Museum posted of the exhibit, which showcases Lee’s journey from early childhood in Brooklyn to Oscar-winning filmmaker in Hollywood.
Creative Sources is divided into seven categories including music, sports, film, and family, with each room resembling a movie set referencing the director’s unique aesthetic.
Lee has set many of his movies in New York City’s boroughs, but one that is career-defining and the center of the exhibit is “Do the Right Thing,” written, produced and directed by him. The movie, which was nominated for two Academy Awards and has been preserved by the National Film Registry, examines racial tension between Black people and Italian Americans in Bed-Stuy.
The inspiration behind other Spike Lee “joints” such as “She Gotta Have It,” “Malcolm X” and “25th Hour” are also explored. Lee filmed “She’s Gotta Have It” in Fort Greene for just $175,000 over the course of 12 summer days in 1985. The film — which tells the story of local artist Nola Darling and her attempts to juggle the affections of three men without committing to any of them — is widely credited with putting both Lee and his neighborhood on the map.
In the sports section, there are autographed items from Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, LeBron James, and Jim Brown — plus one signed by Stephen Curry after he broke the NBA. record for most career 3-pointers in a 2021 game Lee attended at Madison Square Garden.
There are also gifts from other celebrities, including a guitar the musician Prince dropped off at Lee’s house, and posters signed by “Jurassic Park” director Steven Spielberg and “Boyz N the Hood” director John Singleton.
“Spike Lee: Creative Sources” runs at the Brooklyn Museum through Feb. 11. $25 tickets are required for entry and can be found here.
Additional reporting by Ximena Del Cerro
