Paley Center Opened NBC Centennial Exhibit

The exhibit features historical artifacts celebrating the network's 100 years of broadcasting history.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Historical

Flat gouache-painted illustration of a vintage radio microphone and old-fashioned television, symbolizing the evolution of broadcast media. — The Paley Center for Media has opened a centennial exhibit celebrating 100 years of NBC broadcasting history in New York City. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Paley Center for Media has launched a new exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the NBC network. This retrospective highlights major milestones through various artifacts and archival materials tracing the history of the broadcaster.

Why it matters

The exhibit serves as a central component of a yearlong celebration dedicated to the network's influence on American media. It provides viewers with a tangible look at the evolving landscape of broadcasting over the past century.

The exhibit features a collection marking the 100th anniversary of the NBC network. It serves as a historical retrospective of the broadcaster's century-long impact on media.

The players

The Paley Center for Media

This cultural institution is dedicated to preserving the history of television, radio, and emerging platforms.

NBC

NBC is a major American television network that has been a staple of broadcasting since its founding.

The details

The Paley Center for Media assembled a comprehensive collection of materials and historical artifacts to chart the trajectory of NBC since its inception. NBC is integrating coverage of these historical materials into its broader network programming throughout the year.

2026 marks the official 100th anniversary of the NBC network.

Culture Shift

This exhibition marks a moment of institutional nostalgia that mirrors the industry-wide trend of celebrating centennial milestones through physical archives. It highlights how long-standing media entities leverage their own history to reinforce brand legacy in a digital-first era.

New York City residents and visitors can view the retrospective in person at the Paley Center to see original media artifacts. The exhibit provides a direct opportunity for the public to engage with the history of one of the world's largest broadcasting networks.

The takeaway

The exhibit illustrates the significant evolution of television by showcasing the physical history of a major network. Fans of media history can visit the site to better understand how broadcasting has shaped cultural discourse over the past century.