New Museum Expansion

Location
231 Bowery

Completion
2026

Client
New Museum of Contemporary Art

Square Footage
50,000 SF

Design Architect
OMA

Executive Architect
Corgan

Sciame was the Construction Manager responsible for the original New Museum building (2007) and its expansion. The museum acquired an adjacent property at 231 Bowery to support future use and program growth. The new building expands the range of activities, contextual presentations, and educational initiatives, while supporting increased research and artist residencies. Extensive site logistics planning and coordination with the museum’s ongoing operations minimized disruption to the surrounding neighborhood and existing functions during construction.

This state-of-the-art facility, designed to meet sustainability goals, incorporates advanced building systems and energy-efficient technologies. The construction scope included intricate structural work to connect the existing and new buildings, along with a glass-and-metal mesh facade system, a central atrium stair, and column-free gallery spaces designed to support flexibility and movement throughout the building. Vertical connectivity was enhanced through new elevators and stairways, and advanced MEP systems were integrated to support both art conservation and visitor comfort.

The new facility strengthens connectivity between the old and new buildings while enhancing social spaces and public amenities. Doubling the museum’s footprint, the project provides significantly expanded exhibition space, including flexible galleries that accommodate a wide range of installations and performances. The visitor experience is further enriched through additional exhibitions, improved accessibility, and new interactive spaces for learning and community engagement.