The Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM) is hosting the exhibition “What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of MAD Magazine,” which opened on November 21, 2025, and runs through March 1, 2026. The show features over 150 original artworks spanning MAD Magazine’s 70-year history, from its comic book origins to its satirical magazine heyday. On January 30, 2026, CAM held a special “CAM goes MAD!” event as part of its monthly “Art After Dark” series, offering free admission, live music, local food, and activities such as caricature drawing by artist Joni Fleming and tabling by local comic sellers. The exhibition was organized by Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, chief curator of the Norman Rockwell Museum, and satirical artist Steve Brodner.
This exhibition matters because it celebrates the cultural and political impact of MAD Magazine, which used humor and satire to critique public figures and historical moments across generations. By presenting iconic works like “Spy vs. Spy” and covers featuring Alfred E. Neuman, the show highlights how MAD shaped public discourse and influenced American satire. The museum’s free Thursday night access and community engagement events also underscore CAM’s commitment to making art accessible and fostering local artistic participation, bridging high art with popular culture.