
MM Editor•Apr 19, 2026
New Museum — Seven Stacked White Boxes on the Bowery
At a Glance
The New Museum at 235 Bowery is Manhattan's only contemporary-art museum dedicated to living artists. Founded 1977 by Marcia Tucker, its SANAA building of seven stacked white boxes opened December 2007.
A Platform for Emerging Artists
Exhibition-only, no permanent collection. Key North American firsts: Ai Weiwei (2009), Chris Ofili, Kara Walker, Dana Schutz. Its triennial spotlights artists under 40 from every continent.
Highlights
- Mesh-clad facade that shifts with the light.
- Whole-floor solo shows.
- Triennial every three years.
- R&D Season programmes combining exhibition and performance.
- Free rooftop Sky Room.
Visiting Tips
F train Second Avenue or 6 train Spring St. $22; free under 18; Pay-What-You-Wish Thursday evenings. 1.5–2 hours. Closed Mon–Tue.