New 82,000-square-foot art space on 125th Street to debut with exhibition by artist Tom Lloyd.
The Studio Museum in Harlem has announced the opening of its new home on 125th Street in the fall of 2025. The museum’s first exhibition at this location will feature the work of Tom Lloyd, an artist, educator, and activist who was part of the institution’s inaugural exhibition in 1968 when it was just a rented loft on upper Fifth Avenue.
The new building, designed by David Adjaye in collaboration with Cooper Robertson, features stacked volumes of varying sizes over five stories, providing 82,000 square feet of space. This represents an increase of more than 50 percent in exhibition space and about 60 percent in public areas compared to the previous location.
Thelma Golden, the museum’s director, expressed excitement about the new space, highlighting its capacity and potential for showcasing the work of Black artists. The museum’s focus on celebrating Black art and culture remains central to its mission, and the new building is designed to enhance the visitor experience and expand the institution’s impact.
Despite the recent controversy surrounding David Adjaye, the museum stands by the design of the new building and looks forward to utilizing the space to continue its important work in promoting and supporting Black artists. The Studio Museum in Harlem’s new home represents a significant milestone in its history and a testament to its commitment to fostering creativity and diversity in the arts community.
Source: The NY Times
