The Studio Museum in Harlem
Born out of an urgent need amid the political, social, and cultural ferment of the late 1960s, the Studio Museum in Harlem was founded by a diverse group of artists, community activists, and philanthropists who came together to address the near-complete exclusion of artists of African descent from mainstream museums, commercial art galleries, academic institutions, and scholarly publications.
Mission
The Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.
(L to R) Museum founders Eleanor Holmes Norton, Carter Burden, Charles E. Inniss, Campbell Wylly, Betty Blayton-Taylor, and Frank Donnelly at the Studio Museum on opening night
Portrait of Mary Schmidt Campbell, c. 1983. Photo: Dawoud Bey
Participants of the annual Studio Museum in Harlem chalk-in saluting the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration on the plaza of the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, July 3, 1985. Photo: Dawoud Bey.
The Building
The Studio Museum is currently constructing the first building in its history created expressly for the needs of the institution and its communities. The new building occupies the site on West 125th Street on which the Studio Museum had been operating since 1982.
Artist Support
Residency Program
Every year, the Museum offers an eleven-month residency for three local, national, or international artists working in any media. Proposed as a founding initiative in 1968, the Artist-in-Residence program has earned The Studio Museum recognition for its catalytic role in advancing the work of visual artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent.
Wein Prize
Presented each year at the Studio Museum’s fall Gala, the award recognizes and honors the artistic achievements of an African-American artist who demonstrates great innovation, promise, and creativity.
Archives
The Studio Museum in Harlem Archives was established to preserve and make accessible the Studio Museum’s historical records. The Archives provides a space for a critical, interdisciplinary inquiry into the past, present, and future.
Press and News
| 11.02.23 | The Studio Museum in Harlem Launches a New Graphic Identity, Typeface, and Website | Go to The Studio Museum in Harlem Launches a New Graphic Identity, Typeface, and Website | |
| 09.28.23 | And ever an edge: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2022–23 | Go to And ever an edge: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2022–23 | |
| 09.21.23 | Studio Store Release New Items in the Barkley L. Hendricks Collection | Go to Studio Store Release New Items in the Barkley L. Hendricks Collection |
Leadership
Thelma Golden
Director and Chief Curator
Careers
| 11.13.23 | Lead Building Engineer Building Operations | Go to Lead Building Engineer |
Access
The Studio Museum in Harlem is committed to making its exhibitions, programs, and services accessible to all. The Museum continues its efforts to constantly improve the accessibility of its site and services.If you have questions or comments about accessibility at the Studio Museum, please call 212.864.4500 or email us.
Web Accessibility
Our effort to enhance and maintain the accessibility of our website is ongoing. If you have difficulty accessing our website or services, please email [email protected].
General Information
Mailing Address | 144 West 125th StreetNew York, New York 10027 |
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