New Museum

What to know

The New Museum stands as a premier destination for new art and new ideas, positioned at 235 Bowery on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Founded in 1977 by Marcia Tucker, the institution serves as a vital center for dialogue surrounding the art and ideas of the current era. It holds a unique distinction as the only museum in Manhattan dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. While the museum established its presence at the Bowery location with a $50 million building in 2007, it has recently undergone a massive transformation. On March 21, 2026, the museum reopened following a significant 60,000-square-foot expansion. This architectural evolution was the result of a collaboration between OMA, Shohei Shigematsu, and Rem Koolhaas, who worked alongside Cooper Robertson to redefine the space. This expanded facility drastically increases the museum's capacity, providing twice the exhibition space compared to its previous iteration. Visitors can now explore a larger volume of work, including major new commissions integrated into the design. The resulting structure reinforces the museum's international reputation as a leader in the contemporary art world.

Visitor tips

• Allow at least two hours to explore the expanded exhibition spaces and new commissions.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the 60,000-square-foot facility involves significant movement between galleries.
• Check the current exhibition schedule online before visiting to see which new commissions are on display.

Nearby context

The New Museum is situated at 235 Bowery, nestled between Stanton and Rivington Streets in the vibrant Lower East Side. This neighborhood provides a gritty, artistic backdrop that complements the museum's focus on contemporary and experimental works.