New Museum
founded in 1977
New Museum
235 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Phone:
+1 212-219-1222
Wed 11:00–18:00
Thur 11:00–21:00
Fr-Sat 11:00–18:00
www.newmuseum.org
The New Museum of contemporary art, founded in 1977, began as an idea in the mind of founding director Marcia Tucker, then a curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art, who became the New Museum's first director. In the beginning, the museum didn't have a permanent address and moved from one rented space to another. Finally, after a series of successful exhibitions, it built a permanent home for itself — a seven-story building designed by the Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa — in the Bowery.
Every year, the New Museum hosts at least six major exhibitions, including solo shows. Jeff Koons' first solo show took place here in 1980, and other exhibitions have focused on the works of Ana Mendieta, William Kentridge, and other artists.
The top floor consists of a glass-walled room with a terrace that overlooks Lower Manhattan. It's a godsend for those who find themselves gasping for fresh air after trudging up the museum's rather uncomfortable staircases. Also, there's the adorable Hester Street Cafe on the first floor.
Tags: New Museum
