New Museum

New Museum Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to New York City Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the New Museum stands as a beacon for contemporary art, dedicated exclusively to living and emerging artists. Founded in 1977 by Marcia Tucker, the museum has continually pushed artistic boundaries by spotlighting innovation, experimentation, and underrepresented voices. Its transition from a modest Tribeca office to the iconic SANAA-designed structure on Bowery in 2007 marked a significant architectural and cultural milestone. With the 2025 expansion by OMA under Rem Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu, the New Museum is poised to double its exhibition space and further enhance its public amenities, reinforcing its position as a cultural anchor in Lower Manhattan (Introducing New York; Architectural Digest; OMA).

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the New Museum’s history, architectural evolution, practical visitor information, current and upcoming exhibitions, educational programs, and tips for exploring New York City’s vibrant Lower East Side.

History and Architecture
Practical Visitor Information
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
Educational and Community Programs
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Sources

History and Architecture

Founding and Early Years (1977–2007)

The New Museum was conceived by Marcia Tucker in 1977 to champion emerging and often overlooked contemporary artists. The institution’s early years saw it moving across different locations—including Tribeca, SoHo, and the New School Gallery—while maintaining a steadfast focus on groundbreaking exhibitions and fostering dialogue within the evolving art world (Introducing New York).

The SANAA Bowery Building (2007)

A defining chapter began with the opening of the SANAA-designed building at 235 Bowery in 2007. The seven-story structure, characterized by its stacked, offset boxes and silvery mesh façade, quickly became a New York architectural icon. The design by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa prioritized natural light, flexible gallery spaces, and an engaging urban presence (Architectural Digest).

OMA Expansion (2025)

By the 2020s, the original building’s capacity could no longer match the museum’s ambitions. The 2025 OMA expansion, led by Rem Koolhaas and Shohei Shigematsu, will double exhibition space, introducing new gallery floors, a restaurant, and an outdoor plaza. The new structure’s glass and metal mesh façade complements the existing SANAA building while offering distinct sculptural and transparent elements. This expansion further positions the New Museum as a leading site for innovative art and community engagement (OMA; The Art Newspaper).

Practical Visitor Information

Location and Transportation

Address: 235 Bowery, New York, NY (New Museum official site)
Subway: Bowery (J, Z), 2nd Avenue (F), Spring Street (6), Broadway-Lafayette/Bleecker Street (B, D, F, M, 6)
Bus: M103, M15, M21
Biking: Citi Bike stations nearby
Parking: Limited street and private garages; public transit recommended

Visiting Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: Extended hours until 9:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and major holidays

Check the official website for any updates related to special events or temporary closures.

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: $18
Seniors (65+) and Students: $12
Children under 18 and Members: Free
Ticket Purchase: Online in advance or at the entrance (advance purchase recommended)
Discounts: Available for students, seniors, and visitors with disabilities

Accessibility

Step-free entrance and elevators to all public floors
Wheelchair accessible galleries, restrooms, and store; manual wheelchairs available
Accessible restrooms on lower level and fifth floor
Service animals welcome
Assistive listening devices and large-print/Braille materials available
Sensory-friendly accommodations upon request

Visitor Services

Complimentary coat check (subject to availability)
Family programs, including art workshops and after-school sessions
Guided tours (general, private, and tailored for visitors with disabilities)
Café and museum store with art-inspired merchandise

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

The New Museum is celebrated for its innovative and diverse programming, focusing on emerging and underrepresented artists. The 2025 OMA expansion will allow for even more ambitious displays, including:

Three new gallery floors for permanent and temporary exhibitions
‘Sound and Vision’ galleries dedicated to new media and installation art
Major group and solo exhibitions featuring artists making their New York or U.S. debut

Recent notable exhibitions:

“Trigger: Gender as a Tool and a Weapon” (2017–2018)
“Grief and Grievance: Art and Mourning in America” (2021)
“Urs Fischer: Marguerite de Ponty” (2009–2010)

Upcoming in 2025:

An immersive installation by Marshmallow Laser Feast, scheduled for April 2025 (Blooloop)

Check the museum’s exhibitions page for the latest updates.

Educational and Community Programs

The New Museum’s educational department offers a broad range of programs:

School Partnerships: Guided tours, curriculum-based workshops, and residencies
Youth Programs: Internships, mentorships, and creative labs
Family Workshops: Interactive sessions for children and caregivers

NEW INC: Art and Technology Incubator

NEW INC, the museum’s art and technology incubator, provides resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities for artists, technologists, and entrepreneurs. The 2025 expansion will give NEW INC a permanent, expanded home, increasing its public programming and accessibility (The Art Newspaper).

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Enhanced Accessibility and Amenities

Improved vertical circulation: New elevators and ramps
Café and Restaurant: Creative, art-inspired menus
Outdoor Plaza: Designed for events, gatherings, and installations
Public Program Venues: Flexible spaces for lectures, screenings, and workshops

Visitor Tips

Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds
Photography is allowed (no flash or tripods); some exhibitions may have restrictions
Rooftop terrace: Offers panoramic city views
Plan your route: Combine museum visits with nearby attractions

Nearby Attractions

Explore the cultural vibrancy of the Lower East Side and beyond:

Tenement Museum: Immersive tours of immigrant life
International Center of Photography: Rotating photography exhibitions
Banksy Museum New York: Street art installations
Katz’s Delicatessen and Russ & Daughters: Iconic New York eateries
Essex Market: Artisanal foods and boutique shopping
Sara D. Roosevelt Park and East River Park: Outdoor recreation
Contemporary galleries: David Zwirner, Klaus von Nichtssagend, and more (Loving New York)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the New Museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM; Thursdays until 9:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: Online via the official website or at the museum entrance.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with accessible entrances, galleries, restrooms, and wheelchairs available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, including general, private, and specialized tours. Check the museum calendar for schedules.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Non-flash photography is generally allowed, but check specific exhibition guidelines.

Q: Is the New Museum currently open?
A: As of June 2025, the museum is closed for expansion. Check the website for the latest reopening updates.

Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: Tenement Museum, Essex Market, Katz’s Delicatessen, art galleries, and parks.

Visuals and Media Recommendations

Official virtual tours and photo galleries are available on the New Museum website.
Maps and accessibility guides can be downloaded for planning.
Suggested descriptive alt text for images: “New Museum Bowery entrance,” “Lower East Side art galleries,” “Rooftop terrace city view.”

Conclusion

The New Museum stands as a dynamic center for contemporary art, continually evolving through its curatorial vision and architectural innovation. Its 2025 expansion will not only broaden exhibition capabilities but also enhance accessibility, community engagement, and visitor amenities. Whether you are a dedicated art enthusiast or a cultural explorer, the New Museum offers an inspiring and accessible experience at the heart of New York City’s vibrant art landscape.

Stay updated on all developments—including reopening information, new exhibitions, and public programs—by visiting the official New Museum website. Download the Audiala app for personalized guides and real-time cultural updates, and follow the museum on social media for exclusive content and announcements.