The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) in Manhattan’s Upper West Side is gearing up for a major renovation project that will revitalize various aspects of the museum. The museum will temporarily close its doors to the public this summer to undergo renovations in the museum shop, courtyard, office spaces, entry facade, and operations systems. The closure will occur in phases as the project progresses, with the ongoing “Somewhere to Roost” exhibition closing on May 2 and the remaining galleries closing on May 26.
Since its opening in 1961, the AFAM has been a beacon for folk and self-taught artists without formal training. The museum has always offered free admission to visitors and has become a significant cultural institution in New York City. In 2011, the museum consolidated into its satellite gallery on 2 Lincoln Square, Columbus Avenue at 66th Street. This upcoming renovation project will be the largest in the last 30 years for the museum, with an expected completion date set for next spring, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence.
The AFAM is known for its collection of folk quilts and its offbeat, charming, and informative exhibitions that showcase work beyond the traditional art education canon. The museum often highlights alternative and reused media, underrepresented topics and perspectives, and stylized wares like weathervanes and board games.
During the renovation, the museum shop will operate in a limited capacity from June 1 to August 12, with the online store remaining unaffected. The shop will undergo changes such as new flooring, updated display cabinetry, and wall shelving. The courtyard will also be reconfigured to accommodate outdoor programming. Additionally, the restrooms will be remodeled, and the museum’s entryway facade will receive a more stylized and attractive update.
The renovation project is being generously funded by the Manhattan New York Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns 2 Lincoln Square. The temple’s own construction overhaul, set to be completed in 2028, aligns with the museum’s renovation timeline, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two institutions.
Overall, the AFAM’s renovation project signals an exciting new chapter for the museum, promising a fresh and revitalized space for visitors to enjoy folk art and self-taught artist exhibitions in the heart of Manhattan.
