The collection of 650 red-and-white quilts now on display at the Park Avenue Armory — suspended from the ceiling in twisting helix patterns — is a sight to behold.

The exhibition, called "Infinite Variety," features a potion of the massive quilt collection of Joanna S. Rose and is presented by the American Folk Art Museum. Most were made by ordinary women between 1850 and 1950.

The tradition of the red-and-white color scheme, however, goes father back. In the 1750s, Turkish red dye arrived in Europe. It became popular due to its colorfastness. Most other dyes at the time would fade or run when exposed to light and water.

On Tuesday morning, the exhibit was packed with quilting enthusiasts who came to New York City from all over with their sewing circles and quilting guilds to see the exhibit.

The exhibit opened last Friday, and closes on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Park Avenue Armory is located at 643 Park Avenue between 67th and 68th streets.

  Here’s what some visitors said:

Diane Pryor-Holland - Queens, New York

Iris Gowan - Bangkok, Thailand

Megan Kafeenari - Queens, New York

Anne Friedland - Pougkeepsie, New York

Virginia Shawm - Rensselaerville New York

The company that designed the exhibit, Thinc Design, put the whole thing up in just two days. Here's a time-lapse video showing part of the process:

To view pictures of the exhibit, check out our slideshow below: