New Museum Expansion Opens, Doubling Gallery Space and Fostering Innovation

New York, NY – The New Museum has officially completed its 60,000 square foot expansion on the Bowery, a transformative project designed by OMA / Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with Cooper Robertson [1]. Founded in 1977 by Marcia Tucker, the New Museum remains the only Manhattan institution solely dedicated to contemporary art and living artists. This seven-story addition serves as a “cultural laboratory,” providing much-needed space for the museum’s expanding exhibition programs, educational initiatives, and renowned cultural incubator, NEW INC.

A New Campus for Contemporary Art

The expansion effectively doubles the New Museum’s gallery space, to a total of 120,000 square feet [4]. The project, which cost $82 million [3], replaces a property the museum purchased in 2008 and marks OMA’s first public building in New York City [3]. It is a significant addition to the museum’s existing SANAA-designed flagship building.

Architectural Design and Integration

The architectural approach respects the existing SANAA building even as establishing a distinct identity. The new structure is clad in laminated glass with a metal mesh layer, creating a unified exterior that complements the original facade [3]. Shohei Shigematsu, Partner-in-Charge at OMA, emphasized the design’s aim to embody the museum’s spirit of openness [3].

Inside, three new levels of exhibition galleries seamlessly connect to the existing building, maintaining consistent ceiling heights for a fluid visitor experience. A central atrium with a monumental staircase improves circulation and provides a dramatic space for large-scale artworks [4].

Enhanced Facilities and Programs

Beyond expanded gallery space, the expansion includes several key additions:

• A custom-designed headquarters for NEW INC, the museum’s new media cultural incubator.
• Workshops dedicated to artists-in-residence.
• A 100-seat all-day cafe and restaurant [1].
• An outdoor plaza.
• Flexible platforms on the upper floors for workshops, performances, and residency programs.

Commitment to Innovation and the Future

The New Museum’s expansion reaffirms its commitment to experimental productions and ambitious ideas. The upper floors feature a solar-powered photovoltaic roof and three new terraces offering panoramic views of lower Manhattan, supporting programs that address social and political issues [4]. The project, initially announced in 2017, faced delays and was originally scheduled to finish in the fall of 2025 [3].

The New Museum is located at 235 Bowery, New York, NY 10002 [1].