The Queens Museum of Art (QMA) is undergoing a multi-million dollar expansion that will see its exhibition space double to 105,000sq ft (9,755sq m).
Designed by architect firm Grimshaw, the new spaces will include additional gallery spaces, artist studios, education classrooms, a cafe, special events spaces, and administrative spaces.
The expansion, which is due to open October 2013, is supported by the Office of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Office of Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, New York State, the New York City Council and private donations.
The museum's western façade facing Grand Central Parkway is being redesigned with a 200 ft (61m) long glass wall and drop-off plaza.
In addition, the project will feature a second new entrance and expanded outdoor space on the Flushing Meadows Corona Park side of the building, as well as a large skylit atrium.
The museum is also undergoing a rebranding initiative with a new visual identity, a renaming of the institution from Queens Museum of Art to the Queens Museum, and launch of a redesigned website, which launch in October.
The opening of the museum's expansion will coincide with the opening of the Fall 2013 exhibitions. Highlights of the fall exhibition include Pedro Reyes's "The People's UN," or "pUN," which will bring together citizen representatives of the United Nations 193 member states for performances.