El Museo Del Barrio Re-Opens Its Galleries After Major Upgrade & Renovation

El Museo del Barrio is pleased to re-open its Galerias (Galleries) to the public on September 13, 2018, after a ten month-long renovation of its mechanical and control systems, including heating, air-conditioning and humidification. The renovation, also known as the Gallery Environmental Stabilization Project (The Project) was generously funded with $4.85 million from the City of New York, including support from the New York City Council, the Office of the Mayor, and the Office of the Manhattan Borough President. City funding, which covered all expenses associated with the project, was provided through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Project, managed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), consisted of upgrading the galleries' environmental control system (HVAC/Humidification Systems), by renovating its capital infrastructure components. The improvements are essential to properly regulate environmental conditions in the Galleries, as well as adjacent curatorial storage areas. Additionally, the Galleries were equipped with a new glass vestibule, thereby providing visitors a welcoming view into the space from the main lobby area.

"The City Council congratulates El Museo del Barrio on completing a major renovation and reopening to the public, a project the Council was proud to support. El Museo is a treasured part of the city's cultural landscape and we are so pleased to have its Galerias back up and running. I know I speak for the entire Council when I say I can't wait to see what the future holds for the new and improved El Museo in terms of celebrating and preserving Latinx and Latin American culture in New York City," said Corey Johnson, Speaker of the New York City Council.

"Congratulations to El Museo on the reopening of its Galerias after nearly a year of renovation," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. "We are so pleased that we can support capital projects like this one, which may not be the most glamorous work, but are essential to the life of NYC's cultural institutions. These improvements will better enable El Museo to continue in its important mission of preserving and sharing Latinx and Latin American culture for generations to come."

"I extend my heartiest congratulations to El Museo del Barrio as they reopen Las Galerías after a ten-month long renovation process. I am proud to have advocated for Council funding to support the Gallery Environmental Stabilization Project and I look forward to El Museo continuing its purpose of amplifying Latinx culture," said Council Member Diana Ayala.

"Congratulations to El Museo del Barrio on the successful completion of its Gallery Environmental Stabilization Project. The new renovations will ensure that this leading Latin American cultural institution can curate the very best exhibitions for its visitors," said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee. "At a time when immigrant communities are under attack, we must continue to celebrate and empower Latinx artists and creators."

"El Museo del Barrio has grown into a world-class museum and it deserves world-class facilities," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "I'm proud to have supported the gallery stabilization project with capital funding, and as these new exhibitions open, I am thrilled to see our city's nation-leading Latino and Latin American cultural institution bringing people to its galleries from around the world to see thought-provoking collections."

"An investment in the arts is an investment in the cultural, educational, and fiscal health of our communities, and the renovation and reopening of Las Galerias will ensure the continued success of this important Latino institution. Congratulations to El Museo as it continues its mission of preserving Latino, Caribbean and Latin American culture in New York City" said New York State Senator José M. Serrano.

"I am delighted and thrilled about the reopening of El Museo del Barrio gallery and fall exhibitions," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "The extensive collections, exhibitions, and programs hosted by the gallery are culturally significant and help highlight our stories and the growing influence of the Caribbean and Latin America throughout our community, the nation and to audiences around the globe."

"We are deeply grateful to the leadership of Tom Finkelpearl, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the numerous City agencies, who supported this important project for El Museo. We are excited to reopen and welcome El Barrio and beyond into our new and improved home!" said Maria Eugenia Maury, Board Chair, El Museo del Barrio.

"As the primary stewards of Puerto Rican, Latinx and Latin American culture and history in New York City, it is important now more than ever that Las Galeríasare truly representative and dignified of our acclaimed exhibitions and incredible programs. Additionally, the renovations will allow us to present more works from fellow museums and collections," said Patrick Charpenel, Executive Director, El Museo del Barrio. "We are especially thankful to DCLA and the EDC for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the project."

The Galleries will open with two new exhibitions: Liliana Porter: Other Situations, organized by SCAD Museum of Art (SCAD), and curated by Humberto Moro, SCAD Curator of Exhibitions, a non-linear survey of Porter's work from 1973 to 2018, which explores the conflicting boundaries between reality and fiction, and the ways in which images are circulated and consumed; and Down These Mean Streets: Community and Place in Urban Photography, organized by E. Carmen Ramos, the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)'s deputy chief curator and curator of Latino art, which explores the works of ten photographers who were driven to document and reflect America's urban streets when notions of the inner city began to emerge.

ABOUT EL MUSEO DEL BARRIO

El Museo del Barrio, founded by a coalition of Puerto Rican educators, artists, and activists, is the nation's leading Latino and Latin American cultural institution. The Museum welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to discover the artistic landscape of these communities through its extensive Permanent Collection, varied exhibitions and publications, bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals, and special events.

The Museum is located at 1230 Fifth Avenue at 104thStreet in New York City, and open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00am - 6:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00pm (as of September 13, 2018). Admission is Suggested.

To connect with El Museo del Barrio via Social Media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information, please visit www.elmuseo.org.