Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the opening of the new Studio Museum in Harlem, marking a significant development for arts and culture in New York. The project involved a $160 million investment to construct a seven-floor, 82,000 square-foot facility designed specifically for the museum’s needs and its community.
The state contributed nearly $11 million to the project, with more than $7 million provided by the New York State Council on the Arts and $3.5 million from Empire State Development. These funds were recommended by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council.
Governor Hochul commented on the museum’s role in Harlem: “The Studio Museum has been one of the centerpieces of Harlem arts and culture since 1968. New York’s support of this incredible achievement has helped create a lasting and living community cornerstone that will continue to celebrate and champion artists of African descent for generations to come.”
After being closed for construction since 2018, the new building was designed by Adjaye Associates with Cooper Robertson as executive architect. The design draws inspiration from Harlem’s brownstones, churches, and sidewalks. It features windows that resemble those found in local apartment buildings and includes spaces such as a top-lit gallery reminiscent of neighborhood churches, an interior “stoop” for lectures and performances, flexible galleries for various exhibitions, studios for artists in residence, education areas adjacent to exhibition spaces, and a roof terrace overlooking Harlem.
Founded in 1968 by artists, activists, and philanthropists, the Studio Museum is recognized internationally for promoting artists of African descent.
