Exploring the Features of the Studio Museum’s New Home

The Studio Museum in Harlem has unveiled its new, architecturally striking home, a milestone for the 57-year-old institution dedicated to artists of African descent. The museum’s new building, designed by Adjaye Associates with Cooper Robertson, covers an impressive 82,000 square feet and replaces its former location on 125th Street, which it vacated in 2018 for this development.

The launch marks a significant moment for the museum, which was originally set up on Fifth Avenue before moving to its current site in the 1980s. The new building signifies the first structure specifically constructed for the Studio Museum, reflecting its storied history and importance to the art community and the Harlem neighborhood.

During its closure, the museum has missed its interaction with visitors and artists, a sentiment echoed by Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator. The pandemic-induced delays, while challenging, provided the institution with the opportunity to focus on deepening its understanding of its extensive collection and institutional history.

Visitors to the museum can look forward to a rich inaugural series of exhibitions including “Tom Lloyd,” which highlights the career of the artist-activist known for his flashing light sculptures. Another major exhibition, “From Now: A Collection in Context,” will feature a rotating display from the museum’s expansive 9,000-item collection.

This new chapter for the Studio Museum showcases its commitment to preserving and presenting the legacy and artwork of African-descended artists, and offers a new space of contemplation and respite amid the vibrancy of Harlem’s 125th street.