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Call it the second Harlem renaissance. On New York City's 125th Street, where a statue of civil rights leader Adam Clayton Powell Jr marches onwards and upwards, the area is buzzing with energy and excitement.

A Neighborhood in Transformation

The renowned Apollo Theatre is in the middle of major renovations. The National Black Theatre is preparing to move into an $80M cultural center covering a entire block. Additionally, another organization recently unveiled a $250M facility containing its main offices, affordable housing and retail space.

“This structure declares to the world: Harlem matters; Black art is significant; Black institutions are crucial,” remarked the leader of the board of trustees. “It will serve as a beacon on 125th Street, a place where creativity and community meet.”

Historical Roots

This institution was founded by artists, advocates, donors and community members to confront the widespread omission of African American artists from established museums. Its debut in a leased space over an off-licence in 1968, a traumatic year of political murders, uprisings and social change.

“This moment feels what it must have felt like when it all began,” noted a museum leader. “The institution emerged in a world of flux. Nation was split. People were marching. Creators were insisting to be recognized.”

Building Design

The recently completed $160 million structure covers 82,000 square feet across seven floors. Designed by design teams, the building represents the first custom-designed home for the institution and almost doubles its gallery and activity areas.

The facility features galleries, an large entrance hall, flexible programme spaces, a dedicated education workshop, a cafe and retail store, plus a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. An impressive staircase, clad in terrazzo, fills the central vertical gallery.

Collection Highlights

The inaugural programming showcases the museum's past, present and future with several key shows. One exhibition features the initial comprehensive retrospective of pioneering artist an electronic art pioneer, whose electronic light sculptures appeared in the museum's inaugural 1968 exhibition.

• William T Williams's 1969 abstract musical tribute pays homage to John Coltrane
• Another prominent artist's iconic work confronts lack of representation and African American portrayal
• The renowned artist's significant painting features vigorous marks and fragments of collage
• The celebrated artist's initial narrative textile captures her community in both celebratory and elegiac tones

Broader Impact

The institution's opening feels particularly significant during a time when diversity initiatives, museums and the way Black history is presented face increased scrutiny. The city has just chosen a leader who embodies the city's cultural diversity, and this neighborhood has a particular talent for making renaissance resemble resistance.

“Harlem has always been evolving,” commented a senior leader. “It's a district that has been changing since it was established. But Harlem has also been a community where Black culture has thrived.”

This institution celebrates its significant artist-in-residence programme with an alumni show including prominent figures such as Kehinde Wiley, mixed-media artist and Titus Kaphar. The exhibition combines recently created works with historical pieces spanning various periods.

Continuing Mission

Including new commissions are sound-based works and three-dimensional artworks. Metal containers created by artist Houston Conwill contain confidential testaments by prominent African American figures, originally interred in the institution's outdoor space in the mid-1980s and now on display with plans to be opened in September 2034.

Guests can explore an historical display of photographs and ephemera documenting the museum's history through its shows, programs and programmes over nearly six decades. This rich history includes notable occasions ranging from dignitary appearances to local presentations that collectively illustrate the museum's lasting influence.