From June 16 to October 20, the well known and beloved Museum of Modern Art will be temporarily closed for extensive renovation and reorganization of its galleries. Not only will this $450 million project accommodate more artwork, it will open up new transformative gallery areas and an interactive space called The Studio, where live performances and programming will be hosted.
The renovations call for stunning new galleries and more space for events that will transfer the MoMa. The museum plans to showcase their collections in modern and unparalleled ways to be able to bring more voices and perspectives to the galleries. The goal is to provide a daily opportunity for viewers to uncover something new and to connect to art that will spark curiosity and ingenuity.
Collaborating with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro and Gensler, the evolution of the MoMa is ensured to be one of the most innovative redesigns and will meet the changing needs of the modern audience the museum attracts. The expansion will allow viewers to be able to quietly admire art to having them watch live rehearsals in the Studio space. The museum will also offer spaces for meeting with friends to create art and a dining area. The ground floor spaces will open up, offering access to the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, new street-level galleries and a redesigned Museum Store. The museum also promises to open earlier daily to the public and offer extended hours and programming on the first Thursday of every month.
An entirely new display that aspires to show the story of modern art will be brought in. Bringing a greater diversity of artwork is the Museum’s goal, which is why there will be an addition of around 1,000 more artworks.
The space on the second floor will be transformed into the Paula and James Crown Platform. It’s purpose is to be an experimental, creative space that will allow people to adventure in their minds, explore questions and art processes that the museum will present. The second floor is open to those who wish to socialize and ponder with other admirers of art and engage with artists. This is where audiences can come to make art if they wish, relax, and discover suggestions for touring the MoMa.
The second-, fourth-, and fifth-floor galleries gives audiences the chance to investigate and observe the many stories and perspectives the collections at the MoMa offer. The museum stated that they will mix mediums and highlight works done by more diverse artists to provide the most surreal experience for its goers. Contemporary art will be placed with early masterpieces and there will be mixing and matching of painting to performances to allow for eye- and mind-opening experiences. Galleries will be changed seasonally so the most resonant and avant-garde art will be displayed.
The Museum (reopening October 21st) has already released opening season Fall 2019 exhibitions, which includes 11 watershed installations by artists over the past two decades, a commemoration of modern Latin American art, and an immersive sound installation in the new Studio by David Tudor, titled Rainforest V (Variation 1). The updated dynamic and progressive MoMa will put a spotlight on important voices and help others hear them.
