The New Museum, located in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan, is a prominent contemporary art institution that has been a significant cultural hub since its founding in 1977 by Marcia Tucker. Originally housed in a space at the New School, it moved to its current building on the Bowery in 2007. The seven-story structure was designed by the Tokyo-based architectural firm SANAA, led by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.
The New Museum is one of the few contemporary art museums in New York City that is solely devoted to presenting, studying, and interpreting contemporary art from around the world. The building itself is a striking piece of architecture, featuring a stack of rectilinear boxes shifted off-axis from one another, giving it a jumbled appearance. This design allows for flexible and innovative exhibition spaces inside.
One of the most interesting facts about the New Museum is its commitment to emerging artists. The museum has a history of showcasing the works of artists who are not yet well-known but have the potential to make significant contributions to the art world. The museum's Triennial exhibition, which began in 2009, is a notable example of this. It focuses on emerging artists from around the globe and has helped launch the careers of many contemporary artists.
The New Museum also houses the Rhizome organization, an affiliate that focuses on digital art and culture. Rhizome is known for its dedication to new media art, including internet art and digital preservation. They also maintain an online archive of digital works and provide resources for artists working in digital media.
Another lesser-known aspect of the New Museum is its IDEAS City initiative, which explores the future of cities with culture as a driving force. This program includes an annual conference, workshops, and public art installations that engage with urban issues.
The museum's Sky Room, located on the top floor, offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and serves as a venue for various events, including artist talks and private gatherings. The New Museum also features the New Museum Store, which offers a range of contemporary art books, artist editions, and unique design objects.
In 2018, the New Museum announced an expansion project to double its exhibition space. The new addition, designed by OMA, the architectural firm co-founded by Rem Koolhaas, is set to enhance the museum's capacity to host larger and more varied exhibitions.
The New Museum's innovative approach and dedication to contemporary art make it a unique and essential destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.