The Studio Museum in Harlem Will Reopen in November
Marking the end of its seven-year reconstruction period.



Summary
- The Studio Museum in Harlem is set to open its new building on November 15
- The opening will see a host of new exhibitions and installations alongside expansive indoor-outdoor offerings for audiences, artists and the greater Harlem community
The Studio Museum in Harlem will open the doors to its new 82,000-square-foot home on November 15, 2025.
The announcement comes as an exciting new development for museum-goers following the institution’s seven-year overhaul period. Originally slated to reopen in 2022, the museum closed its doors in 2018, tearing down its former building to make room for the multimillion-dollar expansion project, helmed by David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates.
Housed within its seven floors, the structure will see an over 70% spatial increase across indoor and outdoor offerings, alongside 14,000 square feet dedicated to state-of-the-art exhibition space, a rooftop terrance, flexible program spaces and a studio and lounge for pioneering Artist-in-Residence program. The museum’s Studio Store will also debut a range of publications and new products by Black-owned businesses.
In terms of showcases to look forward to, the Studio Museum will present four exhibitions, two site-specific commissions and mount works from its esteemed collections. Heading the charge will be a survey exhibition dedicated to artist and activist Tom Lloyd, whose work was the subject of the institution’s inaugural exhibition in 1968.
“As our historic homecoming approaches, I am reflecting on the transformative vision of the artists, supporters and community members who have helped us shape this pivotal moment in our legacy,” said Chief Curator Thelma Golden in a recent statement. “Our breathtaking new building is an invaluable space and a tribute to the museum’s mission and the vitality of artists of African descent. I am thrilled to welcome everyone back to a reimagined Studio Museum, rooted in Harlem and resonating far beyond.”
The Studio Museum in Harlem will celebrate its new home with a building-wide Community Day on November 15, offering free admission and arts programming for visitors. For more information, head to the museum’s website.