Image credit: Jason Keen
The New Museum has opened a 60,000 square foot expansion at its Bowery location in Manhattan. The project was designed by OMA, led by Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, in collaboration with executive architect Cooper Robertson.
Image credit: Jason Keen
Image credit: Jason Keen
The new building integrates with the museum’s existing structure, originally designed by SANAA and completed in 2007. The expansion doubles the museum’s gallery space, bringing the total footprint to approximately 120,000 square feet.
Image credit: Jason O’Rear
Image credit: Jason O’Rear
The design of the scheme introduces new circulation elements, including three elevators, an atrium stair, and a public entrance plaza. Public-facing spaces have been expanded, with a larger lobby, bookstore, and a forthcoming full-service restaurant operated by the Oberon Group, scheduled to open in spring 2026.
Image credit: Jason Keen
Image credit: Jason Keen
Additional spaces include a 74-seat forum, an enlarged Sky Room on the upper floor, and a dedicated studio for artists-in-residence. The facade employs materials that reference the original building while increasing transparency, aiming to visually connect interior activities with the surrounding urban context.
Image credit: Jason O’Rear
Image credit: Jason O’Rear
“I’m particularly excited that our first public building in New York City will be for the New Museum, one of the most forward-thinking institutions for which I’ve always had a great affinity,” Rem Koolhaas said. “Having collaborated with Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa on a number of projects in Europe, it is a real honor to stand alongside their great work of architecture, one of my favorites in the city.”
Image credit: Jason O’Rear
Image credit: Jason O’Rear
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