The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), located at 53 West 53rd Street, temporarily closed its doors to the public in June as part of its four-month renovation plan.
While New Yorkers and tourists alike mourned the loss of this iconic New York summer staple, the MoMA promises museum visitors the wait is worth it.
The MoMA has worked closely with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and in collaboration with Gensler. The end product will be an additional 40,000 feet of gallery space. This will not only redefine the museum but the experience as well.
According to the architect’s website, the MoMa expansion hopes to fulfill three specific goals:
- Increase gallery space, which will let the museum substantially exhibit more of its thought-provoking modern art collections in “deeper and more interdisciplinary ways.”
- Create a more engaging and connecting experience at the MoMA – whether you’re an art student, enthusiast, or lost tourist.
- “To better connect the museum to the urban fabric of Midtown Manhattan.”
Viewers can expect to see the world-famous art collections return to the museum. However, aside from photographs, paintings, and sculptures, the MoMA will introduce the Studio in the heart of the museum, which will feature live performances and programming.
Times are changing, and the MoMA wants to use it as a way for museum-goers to reflect and respond to art. The new MoMA will enable guests to “react to, question, and challenge histories of modern art and the current cultural movement.”
Mark your calendars. The new and expanded MoMA is set to open on October 21st, 2019. Those with the MOMA90 membership will get to experience the new MoMA firsthand with friends and families. In the meantime, the MoMA PS1 remains open to the public in Long Island City.
Featured images c/o Flickr user Liza
