The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City has long been considered one of the world’s premier institutions for contemporary art. But in recent years, the museum has undergone a significant transformation, with a major makeover that is revitalizing its iconic space and redefining its role in the art world.
The MoMA makeover, which began in 2016, is a $450 million expansion and renovation project that aims to enhance the museum’s galleries and public spaces, as well as create new opportunities for education, social engagement, and cultural exchange. The project is being led by the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in collaboration with Gensler.
One of the most significant changes to the MoMA is the expansion of its gallery spaces. The museum has added 47,000 square feet of new exhibition space, allowing for the display of more of its vast collection of modern and contemporary art. This expansion has allowed the museum to showcase a wider range of works, as well as create new opportunities for curators to experiment and create new experiences for visitors.
In addition to the physical changes to the museum, the MoMA makeover also includes a reorganization of its collection. The museum has rethought its approach to displaying art, organizing its galleries thematically rather than chronologically. This allows for a more dynamic and diverse presentation of its collection, and aims to encourage visitors to engage with the art in new and unexpected ways.
The revamp also includes a reconfiguration of the museum’s public and educational spaces. The museum has created new areas for learning and socializing, including a studio for hands-on art making, a new contemporary art special exhibition space, and a series of interconnected, flexible spaces that can be used for performances, screenings, and other public programs.
The MoMA makeover is not just about physical changes to the museum; it also represents a shift in the way the institution sees itself and its role in the art world. The museum aims to be a more inclusive and welcoming place for all visitors, and to create new opportunities for dialogue, exchange, and learning.
The museum’s director, Glenn D. Lowry, has described the project as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-imagine how we can use our spaces and resources to deliver a more transparent, engaging, and relevant experience of modern and contemporary art.” The MoMA makeover is a testament to the museum’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, and a reflection of its enduring role as a leader in the art world.
The MoMA makeover is set to be completed in 2019, and the museum’s leadership is eager to share the new space and programming with the public. The revitalization of this iconic institution promises to be a game-changer for modern and contemporary art, and a must-see destination for art lovers from around the world.
