Studio Museum in Harlem Reopens Nov 15: See the New Space
After years of anticipation, the Studio Museum in Harlem will open the doors to its brand-new home on Saturday, November 15, 2025. This marks a pivotal moment for the institution, which has served as a vital space for artists of African descent since its founding in 1968. To celebrate, the museum is kicking off its reopening with a free Community Day celebration, featuring building-wide activations, family-friendly programming, and access to its inaugural exhibitions.
All dates, hours, and programming are subject to change at the discretion of the museum. Please check the official website before your visit.
A Historic Homecoming
The new 82,000-square-foot building—designed by Adjaye Associates with Cooper Robertson as executive architect—redefines what a museum can be. With expanded gallery spaces, rooftop terraces, education workshops, and artist studios, the building offers more than just room to grow. It reflects Harlem itself: a dynamic, layered, and deeply cultural community.
Studio Museum Director and Chief Curator Thelma Golden describes the opening as “a transformative vision made possible by artists, supporters, and community members.” Chairman of the Board Raymond J. McGuire echoes that sentiment, calling it “a cultural transformation” decades in the making.
Opening Weekend Events
The reopening celebration begins on Saturday, November 15, with Community Day, a free event welcoming visitors from Harlem and beyond. Guests will be able to explore the entire building, enjoy art-making activities, guided tours, entertainment, and interactive exhibits. The museum will also relaunch Studio Sundays on November 16, its weekly day of free programming for all ages, including storytime, gallery talks, and drop-in workshops.
Inaugural Exhibitions and Installations
The opening lineup includes a mix of archival retrospectives, new commissions, and collection highlights:
- Tom Lloyd: A major exhibition on the groundbreaking artist whose work launched the museum’s first-ever show in 1968.
- Permanent Collection Highlights: Spanning over two centuries of works by artists of African descent.
- Artist-in-Residence Alumni Works on Paper: Featuring new pieces by over 100 alumni of the museum’s celebrated residency program.
- Institutional History Gallery: A timeline of archival photos and programs documenting the museum’s six-decade impact.
Site-specific commissions include a sound installation by Camille Norment and a community-themed wall piece by Christopher Myers.
Art That Lives in the Space
Iconic works returning to view include David Hammons’s Untitled Pan-African Flag, Glenn Ligon’s Give Us a Poem in neon, and Houston E. Conwill’s Joyful Mysteries time capsules, which will be opened in 2034.
Even the furniture speaks to the mission—featuring custom-designed pieces by Black creatives such as Ini Archibong, Stephen Burks, and Marcus Samuelsson.
New Hours, Admission & Visitor Info
- Location: 144 West 125th Street, Harlem (between Lenox Ave and 7th Ave)
- Public Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM
- Extended Hours: Fridays & Saturdays until 9 PM
- Studio Sundays: Weekly free programs for families and all ages
- Admission: Suggested—$16 adults, $9 seniors/students/disabled; Free on Sundays and for children 16 and under
- Tickets: Available online at studiomuseum.org/visit
Members also get exclusive early access beginning in early November. To learn more, email membership@studiomuseum.org.
A Museum Reimagined
The Studio Museum’s new building doubles the space for exhibitions and triples its educational and public programming areas. Rooftop views, city-facing steps, and a community-operated café by Settepani add to the experience.
With this opening, the Studio Museum is not just celebrating its return home—it is setting the stage for its next chapter as a national leader in culture, community, and contemporary art.
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