The US premiere of The Bridge exhibition was held at the historic St. Paul’s Chapel bordering Ground Zero (part of Trinity Wall Street) during a time of increasing stereotypes and media hype. St. Paul’s Chapel is the oldest surviving church building in Manhattan and is known for welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. Due to its unique role since 9/11 as a place of reconciliation, it was a fitting host for The Bridge exhibition to debut in North America. 

 

The exhibition was opened with a VIP reception and program on 19 January 2016 hosted by Ambassador Ahmed Farouk, the Consul General of Egypt in New York, which was attended by diplomats, religious dignitaries, art patrons and enthusiasts. Participating artists Manal Deeb, Siona Benjamin, Houria Niati were in attendance, along with co-curators and participating artists, Dr. Reda Abdel Rahman and Lilianne Milgrom. Special other guests included actor Tony Lo Bianco, star of the film The French Connection.