Andy Warhol's Milestones

Andy Warhol, a leading figure in the Pop Art movement, transformed modern art with works like Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe portraits, influencing culture and media until his death in 1987.

1928

Birth

Andy Warhol was born Andrew Warhola in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Slovakian immigrant parents.

Family August 6, 1928

1936

Childhood illness

Contracted Sydenham's chorea (St. Vitus dance) as a child, which kept him bedridden and influenced his love of drawing and pop culture.

Other January 1, 1936 - December 31, 1936

1942

Attended Schenley High School

Attended Schenley High School in Pittsburgh, developing an interest in art and photography.

Education September 1, 1942 - June 1, 1945

1945

Attended Carnegie Institute of Technology

Studied pictorial design at Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University).

Education September 1, 1945 - June 1, 1949

1949

Moved to New York City

Moved to New York City to begin a career as a commercial illustrator.

Location June 1, 1949

1952

Awarded Art Directors Club Medal

Won the Art Directors Club Medal for his commercial artwork.

Achievement January 1, 1952

First solo exhibition

Held his first solo exhibition at the Hugo Gallery in New York.

Achievement June 1, 1952

1960

Began Pop Art works

Began creating Pop Art works, focusing on consumer goods and celebrities.

Achievement January 1, 1960 - June 1, 1962

1962

Campbell's Soup Cans

Debuted his iconic Campbell's Soup Cans paintings at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles.

Achievement July 9, 1962

Marilyn Diptych

Created the Marilyn Diptych, one of his most famous silkscreen paintings.

Achievement August 1, 1962

1963

The Factory

Established his famous studio, The Factory, which became a hub for artists, musicians, and celebrities.

Career January 1, 1963

Produced experimental films

Produced hundreds of experimental films, including 'Sleep,' 'Empire,' and 'Chelsea Girls.'

Achievement January 1, 1963 - January 1, 1968

1966

Collaborated with The Velvet Underground

Managed and produced The Velvet Underground, blending art and music at The Factory.

Achievement January 1, 1966 - December 31, 1967

1968

Shot by Valerie Solanas

Survived an assassination attempt by Valerie Solanas, which had a lasting impact on his life and work.

Other June 3, 1968

1975

Published 'The Philosophy of Andy Warhol'

Published his influential book 'The Philosophy of Andy Warhol.'

Achievement January 1, 1975

1979

Hosted 'Andy Warhol's TV'

Hosted and produced 'Andy Warhol's TV' and 'Andy Warhol's Fifteen Minutes,' pioneering visual media.

Achievement January 1, 1979 - February 22, 1987

1987

Death

Andy Warhol died in New York City due to complications from gallbladder surgery.

Other February 22, 1987

Legacy and influence

Warhol's legacy endures in contemporary art, with The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and his work influencing generations of artists.

Achievement February 23, 1987 - June 5, 2025