An icon of style and innovation, the Brooklyn Bridge is as integral to the image of New York as it is to transportation within the city. Opened on this day in 1883, the “New York and Brooklyn Bridge” as it was originally named, connected the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East river using a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge design. The neo-Gothic towers and web of suspension cables are the most striking features of the bridge and have been floodlit at night since the 1980’s to showcase them. The fact that the bridge is one of the oldest in the United States and is still heavily used makes it a symbol of fortitude, much like the city it connects. Since it was built, the Brooklyn Bridge has inspired countless artworks including early lithographs, paintings, and photographs. The view of the span from the Brooklyn side with the Manhattan skyline forming a backdrop, or the view of the imposing towers behind intersecting cable lines from the pedestrian walkway are some of the most captured New York images. Often shown with other world-famous landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world along with Paris’ Pont Neuf, London’s Tower Bridge, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate. The Brooklyn Bridge was notably painted by Andy Warhol for the centennial in 1983 and by Joseph Stella in the early 20th century, along with many contemporary artists and photographers who still find inspiration in the graceful and stalwart span. See McGaw’s Brooklyn Bridge Print Collection.