Studio Museum in Harlem

The Studio Museum in Harlem has been promoting the works of artists of African descent since 1968. The museum features a dynamic schedule of rotating exhibitions that showcase contemporary art by African-American, Caribbean, and African artists.

Located on Harlem’s vibrant 125th Street, this small museum also houses a sculpture garden, a light-filled cafe, and many special events including concerts, walking tours and art programs for kids and families.

About the Exhibitions and Permanent Collection

This gallery is known for its fresh and exciting exhibits by both local and international black artists working in a variety of mediums from large-scale installations to video art. Highlights of past exhibitions include “Africa Comics” (hand-drawn comic strips from across the African continent) and “Harlem, USA” (works by photographer Dawoud Bey chronicling Harlem in the 1970s).

The Studio Museum in Harlem often draws from its permanent collection of 19 th and 20 th century African-American art and artifacts for its exhibits. The permanent collection dates back over 200 years and features over 1,700 works in a broad range of media by more than 400 artists. The museum is particularly renowned for its large collection of works by legendary Harlem Renaissance photographer James VanDerZee.

Artists-in-Residence Program

Each year, the Studio Museum in Harlem showcases the works of their Artists-in-Residence. These three emerging artists are granted a stipend and studio space (hence the museum’s name) for 12 months to create art in their chosen media. During their year in residency, these artists have 24-hour access to studio space located on the third floor of the museum.

The Artists-in-Residence program has launched the careers of many esteemed artists including Kerry James Marshall, Wangechi Mutu and portrait painter Kehinde Wiley.

Public Programs and Special Events

The Studio Museum in Harlem offers many engaging programs for adults, students, children and families making it a dynamic cultural hub in the community. Some examples include gallery tours that take a closer look at the museum’s permanent collection, lectures on the influence of African-American art in popular culture and walking tours that examine Harlem architecture. The Studio Museum also offers a variety of art workshops for kids of all ages.

There is also a full calendar of special events at the Studio Museum in Harlem, many of which take place on Sundays when admission is free. Examples of performances include violin concerts by the students of Opus 118 Harlem School of Music and shows by African drum and dance troupe Sounds of Afrika.

Visiting Studio Museum in Harlem

The Studio Museum in Harlem is located at 144 West 125th Street between Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue) and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard (7th Avenue).

For more information on hours of operation, current exhibitions and upcoming programs and events, call 212-864-4500 or visit the visit Studio Museum in Harlem official website.