Bowled by Cowles

One of the more memorable works is Manuel Alvarez Bravo's 1934 picture of a murdered striker in Mexico City whose bloodied corpse lies in the dirt, facing the sun.

Diane Arbus's 1965 portrait of a Puerto Rican woman with a faux beauty mark penciled on her cheek is eye-catching, as is Garry Winogrand's picture of a couple cradling chimpanzees dressed in winter coats at the Central Park Zoo.

Perhaps the most amazing picture on display is a photo of Salvador Dali, almost lost on a wall near the back of the space, where more than 50 pieces are hung salon-style, floor-to-ceiling, unlabeled.

Dali Atomicus, taken by Philippe Halsman, is one of the most reproduced photographs of all time. It depicts the painter, a chair, a stream of water, and three cats suspended in midair in Dali's studio.

This picture and the others surrounding it are from Cowles's personal stash and are not part of his gift to the museum. Rather they serve as an example of how Cowles prefers seeing his collection — "with all its planned and unplanned complements and contrasts."

"Hey, I know that man," a middle-age guy blurted as he motioned to his family to check out the flying surrealist. "I think he's famous," answered his teenage son.