Image Credit: NYCEDC
The Bronx Museum, a cultural hub, is looking for a creative partner to help modernize the Bronx Museum. On July 7, 2021, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) released a Request for Proposals to solicit plans from interested architects to design a new South Wing Atrium and entrance for the Bronx Museum of the Arts in the Concourse Village section of the Bronx.
The Bronx Museum of Arts is one of the only remaining major New York City museums with free admission. The Museum houses over 2000 permanent art instillations and has been critical in advancing many artists’ development. In line with the Museum’s core values, the museum frequently showcases the work of African, Asian, and Latin American artists who are underrepresented in many traditional museum collections.
The new South Wing Atrium and entrance will be located on the corner of 165th Street and the Grand Concourse. The construction of the South Wing Atrium is part of a larger renovation plan, which includes plans to create a more welcoming entrance space that will serve as an extension of the sidewalk. This will provide opportunities for art and public programming to be visible from the street. The new entrance will also feature a spacious lobby with seating, a gathering space and street-facing walls for artwork.
Submissions for the Request for Proposals are being accepted until August 2, 2021. The applications can be found on edc.nyc.
NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb stated, “New York City’s arts and cultural institutions are the fabric of our city. This project represents our commitment to investing and enhancing in cultural spaces across the city. We are proud to partner with the Department of Cultural Affairs and The Bronx Museum of the Arts to facilitate the design and construction of a new arts space for all New Yorkers.”
The Bronx Museum’s Executive Director, Klaudio Rodriguez, commented on the new plans. “This project presents a unique opportunity to envision and realize what a 21st century, community-based, globe-spanning museum should be. The renovation will strengthen our capacity to meet our community’s needs, by amplifying our ability to educate, engage and accommodate our visitors. The project will simultaneously reflect our values and priorities, including our commitments to accessibility, equity, and transparency.”
By: Haley Fallin (Haley is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)