NYCEDC Seeks Architect for The Bronx Museum of the Arts Renovation

BRONX NY—New York City Development Corporation (NYCEDC) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and The Bronx Museum of the Arts seeking an architect to design the Bronx Museum’s new South Wing Atrium.

“New York City’s arts and cultural institutions are the fabric of our city,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Rachel Loeb. “This project represents our commitment to investing and enhancing in cultural spaces across the city. We are proud to partner with the Department of Cultural Affairs and The Bronx Museum of the Arts to facilitate the design and construction of a new arts space for all New Yorkers.”

“The Bronx Museum is a cultural hub for the South Bronx community and a place where New Yorkers and visitors come to engage with the work of an exciting range of artists,” said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Assistant Commissioner for Capital Andrew Burmeister. “With the release of this RFP, we look forward to finding a partner to realize the vision for this important institution, making it more open, accessible, and welcoming to all.”

“The Bronx Museum of the Arts' Board of Trustees and Staff are excited about this new phase in the life of the museum,” said The Bronx Museum of the Arts Executive Director Klaudio Rodriguez. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary and look towards the next 50; this project presents a unique opportunity to envision and realize what a 21st century, community-based, globe-spanning museum should be. The renovation will strengthen our capacity to meet our community’s needs, by amplifying our ability to educate, engage and accommodate our visitors. The project will simultaneously reflect our values and priorities, including our commitments to accessibility, equity, and transparency.”

The renovation of the space includes construction of a new South Wing Atrium and main entrance, located on the corner of Grand Concourse and 165th Street, which will:

• Create an enhanced entrance to the Museum with a spacious lobby that includes seating, gathering space and large street-facing walls for artwork
• Activate the new space and façade to showcase artwork while connecting with the community and enticing patrons to enter the museum
• Serve as an extension of the sidewalk, offering multiple opportunities for art and public programming to be visible from the street

“I am thrilled about the release of this RFP to design The Bronx Museum’s new South Wing Atrium. The Bronx Museum is a true jewel of our borough, and one of the most important cultural institutions in our city,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This new proposal will allow for a much-anticipated expansion of this important creative space for our community. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts will play a critical role in this process, that is why I am proud to have allocated over two million dollars in funding to this project. I would like to thank the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Cultural Affairs for their work on this project.”

“The Bronx Museum of the Arts has served as a hub for art and culture in our Borough for years and the renovation of the South Wing will make it more accessible for Bronxites to enjoy the exhibits on display from artists across the city,” said Council Member Vanessa Gibson. “I am proud to have supported this project in the City Council and we must continue to advocate for funding to our cultural institutions in the Bronx that showcase our history and enrich our communities. I want to thank the New York City Development Corporation for their work on this project and I look forward to its completion.”

“One of the many jewels of our Borough, the iconic Bronx Museum of the Arts is located in the heart of my community and will be made even more beautiful by the addition of the new South Atrium,” said Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner (D-Bronx, 77th AD). “I’m proud to support this important investment in The Bronx Museum of the Arts that will further beautify the Grand Concourse and look forward to continuing our long and productive partnership.”

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is one of the only major New York City museums with free admission, making it a vital resource for residents in The Bronx, all five boroughs, and tourists. The Museum’s permanent collection of over 2,000 works preserves and documents artists who are not typically represented within traditional museum collections by showcasing work by artists of African, Asian, and Latin American ancestry, as well as artists for whom the Bronx has been critical to their development.

Submissions for the RFP will be accepted until August 2, 2021. For more information, click here.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that creates shared prosperity across New York City by strengthening neighborhoods and growing good jobs. NYCEDC works with and for communities to provide them with the resources they need to thrive, and invests in projects that increase sustainability, support job growth, develop talent, and spark innovation to strengthen the City’s competitive advantage. To learn more about our work and initiatives, please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.