Studio Museum in Harlem Sets an Opening Date
After closing for renovations in 2018, the Studio Museum in Harlem will reopen to the public on November 15, following a seven-year transformation and a $300 million capital campaign—nearly double its original goal.
Located at 144 West 125th Street, the new 82,000-square-foot building features seven floors dedicated to galleries, studios, workshops, and educational spaces. The expansion is intended to fulfill the museum’s mission of celebrating artists of African descent.
“This breathtaking new building is more than just a space—it’s a monumental testament to our mission,” said Thelma Golden, the museum’s director and chief curator. “I am thrilled to welcome everyone back to a reimagined Studio Museum.”
The new suggested admission is $16 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, while children under 16 will be admitted free—keeping the museum relatively affordable compared to other major institutions.
During a recent tour, few artworks had been installed, but notable features already stood out, including a Glenn Ligon wall sculpture, a vaulted gallery for large-scale sculptures, a rooftop garden with Manhattan views, and a teaching room. Staff size is expected to grow by one-third, and the annual operating budget will expand beyond its previous $11 million.
Designed by Adjaye Associates with Cooper Robertson, the building combines natural woods, brass finishes, and a dramatic terrazzo staircase. David Adjaye has since stepped away from the project following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies.
The new structure increases exhibition space by over 50% and public space by about 60%, with design elements that aim to serve as an “urban respite” while honoring the Harlem community.
A beloved symbol, David Hammons’s Untitled (African American Flag) will return to the museum’s facade. Since 2004, it has represented the museum’s ethos by blending the Pan-African color palette with the American flag’s format.
Golden emphasized the flag’s importance, calling it emblematic of the institution’s founding values and its commitment to elevating the voices and visions of artists of African descent.
Founded in 1968 during the civil rights era, the Studio Museum began with a modest light sculpture exhibition by Tom Lloyd. From a small space on Fifth Avenue, it grew into an influential institution, eventually amassing a collection of 9,000 artworks and launching milestone exhibitions like 2001’s Freestyle.
Opening exhibitions will include a new survey of Tom Lloyd’s work, showcasing about 20 pieces from the 1970s and ’80s, including electronic installations and works on paper.
Raymond McGuire, the museum’s chairman and a Lazard executive, praised Golden’s leadership in creating a space that commands cultural respect. He sees the museum as a sanctuary in politically charged times, offering inspiration and hope through the arts.
Golden noted that while the museum has been physically absent from recent debates surrounding museums and activism, it remains engaged in civic discourse. “We’re thinking deeply about how we will exist in a world that’s changed since 2018—yet, in many ways, still echoes 1968.”
