This month, New York’s New Museum reopens its doors after a two-year hiatus, showcasing a spectacular $82 million expansion that not only enhances its architectural presence but also doubles its gallery space. The revitalised institution debuts with the exhibition “New Humans: Memories of the Future,” a compelling exploration of the interplay between humanity and technology, featuring over 700 diverse objects spanning art and artefacts.
A Bold Architectural Statement
Set against the bustling backdrop of Manhattan’s Bowery, the New Museum now boasts a striking new addition designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and his OMA partner Shohei Shigematsu. The expansion, which introduces an impressive 119,700 square feet of space, is visually anchored by a large-scale sculpture titled “Art Lovers” by Harlem artist Tschabalala Self. This captivating piece, depicting two lovers in a plastic embrace, symbolically marks the junction between the museum’s original structure and its contemporary extension.
Shigematsu describes the architectural merge as a romantic pairing, highlighting the distinct characteristics of the two buildings: one “vertical and introverted,” the other “horizontal and extroverted.” The design aims to create a seamless visitor experience, with the addition featuring three new levels of gallery space that allow for improved airflow and uninterrupted exhibition transitions. A public atrium, complete with a striking staircase, further enhances the flow of the museum, creating a vibrant convergence point for art lovers.
A Curatorial Triumph
At the heart of this reopening is the expansive exhibition “New Humans: Memories of the Future.” This ambitious showcase, according to Lisa Phillips, the museum’s director since 1999, represents a thematic magnitude rarely seen in contemporary art venues. Phillips, who will soon conclude her 27-year tenure, remarked on the exhibition’s significance, suggesting that it heralds a transformative era—one she believes could rival the impact of the Industrial Revolution.
The show features newly commissioned works from notable artists including Camille Henrot and Wangechi Mutu, intermingled with historical and contemporary pieces that examine the evolving relationship between humans and technology. Among the highlights is Swedish photographer Lennart Nilsson’s pioneering imagery of human fetuses, created using groundbreaking endoscopic techniques dating as far back as 1965.
Artistic director Massimiliano Gioni emphasises the exhibition’s expansive narrative, which traverses time and includes references to the Renaissance myth of the “homunculus” alongside modern themes such as artificial intelligence. Notably, much of the wall text has been generated by human curators, with a few exceptions sourced from Google’s AI, Gemini, which intriguingly reflects on the new dynamics of machine and creator.
Engaging the Senses
The fourth-floor gallery features two of Anicka Yi’s “aerobes,” ethereal, helium-filled machines inspired by mushrooms and aquatic life. In an intimate setting, these creations float above an intricate landscape of “extreme maquettes” by the late Bodys Isek Kingelez, offering a unique sensory experience that invites viewers to consider the fragility and complexity of both art and technology.
Furthermore, the museum’s expansion includes its first full-service restaurant, designed by OMA, which aims to create a dialogue between culinary and visual art. Executive chef Julia Sherman describes her approach to the menu as an “intuitive and giddy response” to seasonal ingredients, fostering a sensory interconnection between the dining experience and the surrounding artwork.
Why it Matters
The reopening of the New Museum, marked by its ambitious expansion and thought-provoking exhibition, signifies a pivotal moment in contemporary art’s ongoing dialogue with technology and society. As it navigates this complex terrain, the museum not only enhances its physical footprint but also boldly positions itself at the forefront of cultural discourse. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the New Museum’s initiatives challenge us to reflect on our collective future, urging deeper engagement with the art that shapes our understanding of humanity.
