Description
Egyptian Hall, built ostensibly as a museum, played host to a wide variety of events before its demolition in 1920. It stood on the south side of Piccadilly and was named for its exterior facade. In 1840, it became the medium-term home of painter George Catlin’s “Indian Gallery” – containing hundreds of his portraits of Native Americans plus various accoutrments such as a tipi. Through the course of its stay, Catlin tried many ways to boost popularity, from dressing as Native himself, to showcasing the dwarf, Tom Thumb. Throughout its sojourn, three groups of actual Native Americans, however, would provide the focus of publicity, as well as a living diorama. This group of Ojibwe were the first.