CAPITAL RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO

El Museo del Barrio, New York’s premier Latino and Latin American cultural institution, is pleased to announce the commencement of the second phase of extensive interior and exterior upgrades as part of its capital renovation project, expected to be fully completed by Fall 2009.

The Museum galleries and shop will be open through May 18, 2008 from Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm.  Currently on view is Arte ≠ Vida:  Actions by Artists of the Americas, 1960-2000, and, according to The New York Times, "This ethereal exhibition . . . represents a quantum leap in knowledge about Conceptual or nonobjective art in Latin America . . . it delivers on all counts."  A full slate of programming is being offered in the galleries, the Taller Juvenil and Teatro Heckscher throughout the run of the exhibition.

The new museum design by New York-based Gruzen Samton Architects received an award for Excellence in Design by the Art Commission of the City of New York and features a transparent glass façade creating an open and inviting cultural facility. A renovated courtyard, improved lobby space and signage, an expanded museum shop, upgraded elevators and new restrooms and coat-check facilities are also included in the new plan.  An on-site café offering pan-Latin cuisine will provide a flexible and intimate setting for extended programming and special events. 

To find out more information on ongoing public programs as well as special membership opportunities at El Museo, please continue to visit www.elmuseo.org throughout the renovation.  We also look forward to welcoming you back soon to the newly renovated El Museo del Barrio in celebration of the museum’s re-opening and 40th anniversary in 2009!

Images courtesy of Gruzen Samton Architects / El Museo del Barrio.