1280 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029

African art museum finds a permanent location on New York City's "Museum Mile"

The Museum for African Art has been increasing public understanding and appreciation of African arts and culture since 1984. The Museum is well known for its travelling exhibitions, public education programs, and unique store that offers authentic hand-made African crafts.

After years of nomadic travel from one rented space to another, the Museum will realize a long-held dream of creating a permanent and appropriate home for the museum collection, which is currently warehoused in Long Island City.

The Museum's relocation efforts have garnered widespread support in its capital campaign and from New York State and New York City capital grant programs.

The 75,000 SF facility will include gallery space featuring both traditional and contemporary African art, a library, a restaurant, a gift shop, two classrooms, and an African Discovery Hall. The development will also include 116 market-rate condominium units above the museum.

As well being the first addition to Museum Mile in 50 years, the project is targeting LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council for its sustainable design features. It is anticipated that this new and vibrant community space will link Museum Mile with Harlem's African, African-American and Latino communities and create numerous, new educational opportunities for residents of New York City and visitors.

Development Type: Cultural museum and market-rate condominiums

Project Timeline: Summer 2012

Project Partners: National Community Fund I, LLC; Museum for African Art; New York City Economic Development Corporation; Wachovia Bank

Total Project Cost: $41.1 million (for the museum core and shell only)

NMTC Allocation: $18.8 million

Total Economic Impact: $180 million

Jobs: 500

LEED Level: Gold

Click here for more community impacts information (PDF)