The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is opening two exhibitions on Saturday: "It's Only a Paper Moon: Souvenir Photographer in America, 1870-1950" and "From Combat to Carpet: The Art of Afghan War Rugs."

The Lyman Allyn says the latter exhibition "presents the most distinguished collection of Afghan war rugs in the world." It features more than 40 large and small-scale contemporary weavings from Afghanistan.

The "Paper Moon" exhibition brings together a collection of more than 500 souvenir portrait photographs that are sort of an earlier version of selfies. Tourists starting in the mid-19th century documented their travels with souvenir portraits. Photo studios were hugely popular attractions at state fairs, carnivals and arcades. They were printed on postcards.

The opening reception is 5-7 p.m. Friday; it's free to museum memebrs, $10 for non-members. RSVP to (860) 443-2545, ext. 129.

Both shows run through May 14. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 1-5 p.m. Sun. Admission is $10, $7 for seniors and students over 18; $5 for students under 18 and for active military; free for kids under 12, for members, and for New London residents. Call (860) 443-2545.