Golden also serves on the board of directors for the Barack Obama Foundation / Julie Skarratt
The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, has announced the opening date of its new home, after closing its old building for demolition in 2018.
The museum is set to open on 15 November 2025 with a celebratory community day that will take over the whole building, and four inaugural exhibitions including an exploration of the work of Tom Lloyd, whose work featured in the museum’s first show more than half a century ago.
The Studio Museum was founded in 1968 by a group of artists, activists and philanthropists as a space for artists of African descent and for work inspired by Black culture. Since then, it has become a hugely influential institution in the development, promotion and showcasing of work by artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent, and is renowned for its Artist-in-Residence programme.
The Studio Museum’s Creating Space campaign has raised more than $300 million for the design and construction of its new home.
The new seven floor 82,000-square-foot-building – which increases the exhibition space by more than 50 per cent and public areas by around 60 per cent – is designed by Adjaye Associates in collaboration with Cooper Robertson. David Adjaye, the founder of the architecture group Adjaye Associates, stepped away from the project in 2023 following sexual misconduct allegations.
The design The design has been inspired by the local area – the composition of a façade with windows of various sizes and proportions echoes the masonry-framed windows of Harlem’s apartment buildings, while a top-lit interior gallery pays reference to the area’s churches. A set of glass doors, which can be opened in different configurations, welcomes people to descending steps that evoke the ubiquitous stoops of Harlem’s brownstones. The steps can be used as benches for watching lectures, performances, and films presented on the building’s lower level, or just for relaxing on. The building also includes a rooftop terrace with landscape design by Studio Zewde.
“Our breathtaking new building is more than just a space; it is a monumental testament to the museum’s mission and the vitality of artists of African descent,” said Thelma Golden, the museum’s director and chief curator.
“This moment is deeply rooted in the collective vision of our founders, whose aspirations continue to guide us. As we take this historic step, I look forward to welcoming our communities into a transformed museum – where we will continue the work that defines us on a scale that reflects the magnitude of our mission.”
Tense times The institution reopens at a politically fraught time for museums and culture in the US. Speaking to The New York Times, Golden said that the challenges faced by cultural organisations under the Trump administration highlight the importance of institutions like the Studio Museum.
“I’ve been trying to learn a lot from history,” she said. “The Studio Museum was born in a moment like this. So I have been trying to lead with the wisdom that comes from those who have had to create a sense of a future in an awful time before.
“This is also a moment which continues to create real clarity about our missions. We need to be the space that allows for artists in this moment to make their work, present their work, be in conversation with each other and audiences. And it makes it clear that we want spaces that allow for conversations about truth and democracy, that are invested in complex narratives and give form to our ability to narrate how we all see the world through our eyes… It feels like a moment where what we do is incredibly necessary.”
Free admission will be offered on Sundays, as part of the museum’s Studio Sunday programme, and children aged 16 and under can enter for free at all times. The suggested admission price is $16 for adults and $9 for seniors, students, and visitors with disabilities at other times.
Opening exhibitions and commissions
■ A major presentation of the work of Tom Lloyd. Based on extensive new scholarship and intensive conservation work, Tom Lloyd will explore the artist’s prescient contributions to the interplay of art and technology and will be accompanied by the first publication dedicated to the artist.
■ The first instalment of a collection, which holds almost 9,000 artworks. Works will span from the 1800s to the present – highlighting more than 200 years of artistic achievements by artists of African descent.
■ A presentation of new works on paper by more than 100 alumni of the Artist-in-Residence programme.
■ A presentation of archival photographs and ephemera of the institution’s history, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the host of exhibitions, events, and programs that defined the Studio Museum throughout nearly 60 years of cultural and political change.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2025 issue 2
Editor's letter: Betting on horror
Year-round horror experiences are a fast-growing trend, but will the companies betting big see their investments pay off?
People: Thelma Golden
As the Studio Museum in Harlem prepares to reopen, its CEO explains why the institution is more important than ever
People: Linda Conlon
A driving force behind the creation of the International Centre for Life, CEO Linda Conlon has seen massive change over the past 25 years. So what’s next for the science centre?
People: Fiona Eastwood
With a passion for the industry, the new CEO of Merlin Entertainments says she is ready to lead the company to a new era of expansion and growth
Design & fabrication: Making a scene
As Adirondack Studios celebrates its 50th birthday, we speak to co-founders Michael Blau and Tom Lloyd, and production art director Lara Brunelle
Theme parks: Out of this world
The first major US theme park to open in almost 25 years, Universal Epic Universe is big news for the industry. We hear from the creative team that made it happen
Immersive experiences: One love
The creators of new Vegas immersive experience Hope Road have partnered with Bob Marley’s children to tell the story of his life and music
Zoos: Into the wild
Billed as Asia’s first adventure-based zoo park, Rainforest Wild Asia lets visitors experience animals in a whole new way. We find out more
Theme parks: Sleeping beauty
Fairytale magic meets traditional grand hotel at Efteling’s newest accommodation offering. Its designer shares the vision
Immersive attractions: Lost in music
As immersive music and hospitality company the Lost Estate announces its latest production, co-founder Eddy Hackett shares its global expansion plans
Immersive: Virginie Valastro
A dramatic ancient canyon made for an amazing starting place for the creation of a spectacular new scare attraction, says its creator
Museums: Roman Vinoly
The recently-opened National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, was one of architect’s Rafael Vinoly’s final projects. His son tells us what the project meant to his father, and how he intends to continue his legacy
Golden also serves on the board of directors for the Barack Obama Foundation / Julie Skarratt
The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, has announced the opening date of its new home, after closing its old building for demolition in 2018.
The museum is set to open on 15 November 2025 with a celebratory community day that will take over the whole building, and four inaugural exhibitions including an exploration of the work of Tom Lloyd, whose work featured in the museum’s first show more than half a century ago.
The Studio Museum was founded in 1968 by a group of artists, activists and philanthropists as a space for artists of African descent and for work inspired by Black culture. Since then, it has become a hugely influential institution in the development, promotion and showcasing of work by artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent, and is renowned for its Artist-in-Residence programme.
The Studio Museum’s Creating Space campaign has raised more than $300 million for the design and construction of its new home.
The new seven floor 82,000-square-foot-building – which increases the exhibition space by more than 50 per cent and public areas by around 60 per cent – is designed by Adjaye Associates in collaboration with Cooper Robertson. David Adjaye, the founder of the architecture group Adjaye Associates, stepped away from the project in 2023 following sexual misconduct allegations.
The design The design has been inspired by the local area – the composition of a façade with windows of various sizes and proportions echoes the masonry-framed windows of Harlem’s apartment buildings, while a top-lit interior gallery pays reference to the area’s churches. A set of glass doors, which can be opened in different configurations, welcomes people to descending steps that evoke the ubiquitous stoops of Harlem’s brownstones. The steps can be used as benches for watching lectures, performances, and films presented on the building’s lower level, or just for relaxing on. The building also includes a rooftop terrace with landscape design by Studio Zewde.
“Our breathtaking new building is more than just a space; it is a monumental testament to the museum’s mission and the vitality of artists of African descent,” said Thelma Golden, the museum’s director and chief curator.
“This moment is deeply rooted in the collective vision of our founders, whose aspirations continue to guide us. As we take this historic step, I look forward to welcoming our communities into a transformed museum – where we will continue the work that defines us on a scale that reflects the magnitude of our mission.”
Tense times The institution reopens at a politically fraught time for museums and culture in the US. Speaking to The New York Times, Golden said that the challenges faced by cultural organisations under the Trump administration highlight the importance of institutions like the Studio Museum.
“I’ve been trying to learn a lot from history,” she said. “The Studio Museum was born in a moment like this. So I have been trying to lead with the wisdom that comes from those who have had to create a sense of a future in an awful time before.
“This is also a moment which continues to create real clarity about our missions. We need to be the space that allows for artists in this moment to make their work, present their work, be in conversation with each other and audiences. And it makes it clear that we want spaces that allow for conversations about truth and democracy, that are invested in complex narratives and give form to our ability to narrate how we all see the world through our eyes… It feels like a moment where what we do is incredibly necessary.”
Free admission will be offered on Sundays, as part of the museum’s Studio Sunday programme, and children aged 16 and under can enter for free at all times. The suggested admission price is $16 for adults and $9 for seniors, students, and visitors with disabilities at other times.
Opening exhibitions and commissions
■ A major presentation of the work of Tom Lloyd. Based on extensive new scholarship and intensive conservation work, Tom Lloyd will explore the artist’s prescient contributions to the interplay of art and technology and will be accompanied by the first publication dedicated to the artist.
■ The first instalment of a collection, which holds almost 9,000 artworks. Works will span from the 1800s to the present – highlighting more than 200 years of artistic achievements by artists of African descent.
■ A presentation of new works on paper by more than 100 alumni of the Artist-in-Residence programme.
■ A presentation of archival photographs and ephemera of the institution’s history, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the host of exhibitions, events, and programs that defined the Studio Museum throughout nearly 60 years of cultural and political change.
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2025 issue 2
Editor's letter: Betting on horror
Year-round horror experiences are a fast-growing trend, but will the companies betting big see their investments pay off?
People: Thelma Golden
As the Studio Museum in Harlem prepares to reopen, its CEO explains why the institution is more important than ever
People: Linda Conlon
A driving force behind the creation of the International Centre for Life, CEO Linda Conlon has seen massive change over the past 25 years. So what’s next for the science centre?
People: Fiona Eastwood
With a passion for the industry, the new CEO of Merlin Entertainments says she is ready to lead the company to a new era of expansion and growth
Design & fabrication: Making a scene
As Adirondack Studios celebrates its 50th birthday, we speak to co-founders Michael Blau and Tom Lloyd, and production art director Lara Brunelle
Theme parks: Out of this world
The first major US theme park to open in almost 25 years, Universal Epic Universe is big news for the industry. We hear from the creative team that made it happen
Immersive experiences: One love
The creators of new Vegas immersive experience Hope Road have partnered with Bob Marley’s children to tell the story of his life and music
Zoos: Into the wild
Billed as Asia’s first adventure-based zoo park, Rainforest Wild Asia lets visitors experience animals in a whole new way. We find out more
Theme parks: Sleeping beauty
Fairytale magic meets traditional grand hotel at Efteling’s newest accommodation offering. Its designer shares the vision
Immersive attractions: Lost in music
As immersive music and hospitality company the Lost Estate announces its latest production, co-founder Eddy Hackett shares its global expansion plans
Immersive: Virginie Valastro
A dramatic ancient canyon made for an amazing starting place for the creation of a spectacular new scare attraction, says its creator
Museums: Roman Vinoly
The recently-opened National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, was one of architect’s Rafael Vinoly’s final projects. His son tells us what the project meant to his father, and how he intends to continue his legacy
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger
cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance,
hospitality and public programming.
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick
Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and
private membership under one roof.
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana
Heritage
Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive
storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade-
long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas
attraction.
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are
progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef
education and conservation.
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed
€1 billion
offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the
continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise
business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play
in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers
confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor,
creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme
that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-
day destination.
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