The New Museum Reopening includes a complete overhaul of the lobby and a new vegetable-forward dining concept. Image courtesy of OMA/ Bloomimages DE

After two years, the New Museum reopening unveils a massive expansion, including new artist studios, a 74-seat forum, and updated pricing.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE

NEW YORK — The New Museum reopening is officially scheduled for March 21, 2026, following a two-year closure for a transformative $82 million expansion. The project will nearly double the institution’s footprint on the Bowery, museum officials announced Tuesday.

The reopening, originally planned for last fall, was delayed due to construction complexities on the adjacent site. The project adds approximately 60,000 square feet to the existing SANAA-designed building, bringing the total campus size to nearly 120,000 square feet.

Expansion Doubles Gallery Space and Enhances Flow

The expansion was designed by OMA, led by partner Shohei Shigematsu and architect Rem Koolhaas. The project introduces an entrance plaza, a 74-seat forum, an expanded Sky Room on the seventh floor, and three additional elevators to help improve circulation.

Of the new space, 9,600 square feet will be for exhibition galleries. The remaining area will house artist studios, education and special events spaces, and New Inc., the museum’s incubator for art and technology.

Permanent Artist Commissions and Culinary Debut

Several areas of the expanded structure will include permanent artist commissions. Tschabalala Self will create a new work for the facade, Klára Hosnedlová will contribute an installation for the atrium stair, and Sarah Lucas will produce a piece for the public plaza.

The New Museum reopening will also debut a bookstore that is twice the size of its previous location. Additionally, a new restaurant under the operation of Henry Rich of the Oberon Group will open to guests.

Executive chef Julia Sherman will lead a vegetable-forward menu. The restaurant will feature a commissioned artwork by Ian Cheng and custom furniture by designer Minjae Kim.

Admission Changes and Free Reopening Weekend

The museum also announced higher admission prices. Adult tickets will increase to $25 from $22. Admission for seniors and visitors with disabilities will rise to $22, while student tickets will increase to $19.

Admission will remain free for visitors under 18 and for SNAP and EBT recipients. To mark the reopening, the museum will offer free admission on March 21 and 22. The free days are courtesy of trustee Charlotte Feng Ford. Ticket registration will open next month.

Leadership Legacy and New Humans Exhibition

The New Museum reopening marks the final major milestone for Director Lisa Phillips, who will retire in April 2026 after 26 years of leadership.

The entire 120,000-square-foot complex will open with New Humans: Memories of the Future. Curated by Massimiliano Gioni, this sprawling exhibition features over 200 artists and thinkers exploring the intersection of technology and the human experience.

The exhibition pairs 20th-century masters like Francis Bacon and Salvador Dalí with contemporary icons like Hito Steyerl, Wangechi Mutu, Anicka Yi, and Precious Okoyomon, exploring the intersection of technology and the human experience.