The American Folks Artwork Museum (AFAM) in Manhattan’s Higher West Aspect will quickly shut its doorways to the general public this summer season for a significant renovation mission set to revitalize the museum store, courtyard, workplace areas, entry façade, and operations techniques. Scheduled to reopen in phases because the mission progresses, AFAM will shutter the continuing Someplace to Roost exhibition this coming Friday, Might 2, and shut the remaining galleries efficient Monday, Might 26.
In 1961, the museum opened as a beacon for folks and self-taught artists with out formal coaching, aligning with its curatorial mission by way of free customer admission since its inception. The house consolidated into its satellite tv for pc gallery on 2 Lincoln Sq., Columbus Avenue at 66th Avenue, in 2011, and is about to start its largest renovation mission within the final 30 years. The anticipated completion date will probably be someday subsequent spring, particularly timed across the 250th anniversary of the US’ independence.
A view of Polly Jane Reed’s “A Type of Mother Hannah’s Pocket Handkerchief” (1851) on show throughout the Something however Easy: Present Drawings and the Shaker Aesthetic (2025–25) exhibition (photograph Valentina Di Liscia/Hyperallergic)
Along with its strong assortment of people quilts, the museum is thought for its offbeat, charming, and informative exhibitions of labor past the canon of formal artwork training — usually spotlighting various and reused media, underrepresented subjects and views, and stylized wares like weathervanes and board video games.
Stocked with handcrafted objects and ornamental artwork, the beloved museum store will function in restricted capability from June 1 by way of August 12, although the web retailer will stay unaffected. The store will probably be outfitted with new flooring, up to date custom-built show cabinetry, and wall shelving, whereas the courtyard will probably be reconfigured to raised swimsuit out of doors programming. Reworked restrooms and a extra stylized and engaging replace to the museum’s entryway façade are additionally a part of the renovation mission.
A press release from AFAM notes that the Manhattan New York Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns 2 Lincoln Sq., has “generously funded” the museum’s renovations at the side of its personal building overhaul, set to be accomplished in 2028.
