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Dubbed as the second Harlem renaissance. On New York City's 125th St, where a sculpture of Adam Clayton Powell Jr stride forward, the area is buzzing with energy and excitement.

A Neighborhood in Renewal

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

“This building says to the world: Harlem matters; Black art is significant; Black institutions matter,” remarked the chairman of the board of trustees. “It will stand as a lighthouse on 125th Street, a place where creativity and community converge.”

Historical Roots

This institution was established by creators, activists, donors and local residents to address the widespread omission of African American artists from mainstream institutions. It opened in a leased space over an off-licence in 1968, a traumatic year of assassinations, protests and societal transformation.

“This moment feels what it must have been like when it all began,” reflected a museum leader. “The museum was born in a time of change. Nation was split. People were marching. Creators were insisting to be recognized.”

Architectural Vision

The recently completed $160 million facility spans 82,000 sq ft across seven levels. Created by architectural firms, the museum constitutes the first custom-designed home for the institution and nearly doubles its exhibition and programme space.

The building includes galleries, an large entrance hall, flexible programme spaces, a specialized learning studio, a coffee shop and shop, plus a open-air deck with panoramic city views. An impressive staircase, finished with terrazzo, fills the central vertical gallery.

Collection Highlights

The opening exhibition schedule showcases the institution's history and aspirations with several key shows. One exhibition features the initial comprehensive retrospective of innovative creator an electronic art pioneer, whose illuminated works appeared in the museum's inaugural 1968 exhibition.

• William T Williams's late 1960s Trane pays respect to jazz legend
• Another prominent artist's Silence Is Golden addresses invisibility and Black representation
• The renowned artist's Bayou features vigorous marks and mixed media elements
• Faith Ringgold's initial narrative textile captures her neighborhood in both celebratory and mournful tones

Cultural Significance

The institution's opening feels especially meaningful during a time when inclusion programs, museums and the way African American history is presented face growing challenges. New York has just chosen a leader who personifies the city's cultural diversity, and this neighborhood has a particular talent for making renaissance resemble resistance.

“Harlem has always been evolving,” commented a longtime director. “It's a district that has been evolving since it was established. But Harlem has also been a community where Black culture has flourished.”

This institution celebrates its significant residency program with an former residents exhibition including notable names such as contemporary portraitist, mixed-media artist and conceptual painter. The display mixes new commissions with historical pieces spanning various periods.

Continuing Mission

Among recent acquisitions are sonic installations and sculptural pieces. Metal containers created by sculptor Houston Conwill contain confidential testaments by prominent African American figures, originally interred in the museum's sculpture garden in the mid-1980s and now exhibited with plans to be opened in the year 2034.

Visitors can explore an historical display of images and ephemera documenting the institution's journey through its exhibitions, events and activities over almost sixty years. This extensive legacy includes memorable moments ranging from royal visits to community performances that together illustrate the institution's enduring impact.