The American People Artwork Museum (AFAM) in Manhattan’s Higher West Aspect will briefly shut its doorways to the general public this summer season for a significant renovation mission set to revitalize the museum store, courtyard, workplace areas, entry façade, and operations techniques. Scheduled to reopen in phases because the mission progresses, AFAM will shutter the continuing Someplace to Roost exhibition this coming Friday, Could 2, and shut the remaining galleries efficient Monday, Could 26.
In 1961, the museum opened as a beacon for folks and self-taught artists with out formal coaching, aligning with its curatorial mission by means of free customer admission since its inception. The house consolidated into its satellite tv for pc gallery on 2 Lincoln Sq., Columbus Avenue at 66th Road, in 2011, and is ready to begin its largest renovation mission within the final 30 years. The anticipated completion date shall be someday subsequent spring, particularly timed across the 250th anniversary of the US’ independence.
A view of Polly Jane Reed’s “A Type of Mother Hannah’s Pocket Handkerchief” (1851) on show throughout the Something however Easy: Reward Drawings and the Shaker Aesthetic (2025–25) exhibition (picture Valentina Di Liscia/Hyperallergic)
Along with its strong assortment of folks quilts, the museum is thought for its offbeat, charming, and informative exhibitions of labor past the canon of formal artwork training — usually spotlighting different and reused media, underrepresented subjects and views, and stylized wares like weathervanes and board video games.
Stocked with handcrafted objects and ornamental artwork, the beloved museum store will function in restricted capability from June 1 by means of August 12, although the net retailer will stay unaffected. The store shall be outfitted with new flooring, up to date custom-built show cabinetry, and wall shelving, whereas the courtyard shall be reconfigured to raised go well with outside programming. Transformed restrooms and a extra stylized and enticing replace to the museum’s entryway façade are additionally a part of the renovation mission.
An announcement from AFAM notes that the Manhattan New York Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns 2 Lincoln Sq., has “generously funded” the museum’s renovations together with its personal building overhaul, set to be accomplished in 2028.
