Over the past decade, the museum has operated through temporary pop-ups and events, but it will soon settle into a permanent 24,000-square-foot space in New York City’s Hudson Yards neighbourhood. The new venue at 418 11th Avenue will showcase climate-focused art exhibitions year-round.
Miranda Massie, founder and director of the Climate Museum, said in a press release: "This permanent, year-round space will make our signature, interactive arts and cultural programming more accessible to more people. Ultimately, this means more climate dialogue and action–moving us closer to a safe and just future."
The museum’s new home will be designed with sustainability and accessibility at its core by FXCollaborative, the same architectural team behind the Statue of Liberty Museum. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with an expected opening in 2029.
However, the decision to build a permanent facility in Hudson Yards has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the construction contradicts the museum’s own sustainable ethos. Massie counters that the carbon footprint of temporary pop-up exhibitions is significant, and the permanent space will help the museum better achieve its mission of fostering climate dialogue and action.
While the permanent space is being developed, the museum will continue to host free exhibitions and events across the city.
Anna Savage
Cover image: Rendering of the new mixed-use development, with the Climate Museum on the left at 35th Street, which will be turned into a pedestrian walkway.
