Bronx Museum of Arts | Bronx

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is a contemporary art museum located at 1040 Grand Concourse, near 165th Street in the South Bronx, New York City. It is a major cultural institution in the borough and one of the few major museums in New York that offers free admission to all visitors. Its focus is on contemporary and 20th-century art, particularly by artists of African, Asian, and Latin American descent, as well as artists connected to the Bronx and other urban communities.

Founding and Mission

Established in 1971, the museum was originally founded by the Bronx Council on the Arts and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs as a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

It soon evolved into an independent institution dedicated to contemporary art and reflecting the Bronx's rich diversity.

Its mission is to make art accessible to the people of the Bronx and to highlight underrepresented voices in the art world.

The museum seeks to foster community engagement and education through its exhibitions, collections, and public programs.

Architecture and Design

The museum is housed in a former synagogue building and has undergone several expansions and renovations.

The most notable redesign occurred in 2006, led by Miami-based firm Arquitectonica, which gave the museum its modern facade of aluminum and glass.

A major $33 million renovation and expansion project is currently underway (as of 2024–2026), designed by Marvel Architects. It includes:

A new lobby and entrance facing the Grand Concourse

Enhanced gallery space

Improved accessibility

More room for educational programming and events

Collections

The museum’s permanent collection includes over 2,000 works of art.

The focus is on post-1960s contemporary art, with strong representation of artists from historically marginalized communities.

Media include painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper, and mixed media installations.

Notable artists in the collection include:

Vito Acconci

Romare Bearden

Ana Mendieta

Faith Ringgold

Martin Wong

Chakaia Booker

Juan Sánchez

Leonardo Drew

The museum does not focus on collecting art from one specific region or genre, instead emphasizing a broad, inclusive representation of artists.

Exhibitions

The Bronx Museum is known for both solo and group exhibitions, often highlighting social issues, identity, race, urban life, and politics. Recent and upcoming exhibitions include:

"FUTURA 2000: Breaking Out" (Fall 2024 – Spring 2025)

A major retrospective of the pioneering street artist Futura 2000.

Traces his evolution from graffiti in the subway tunnels of the 1970s to international fame.

"Working Knowledge: Shared Imaginings, New Futures" (Spring–Summer 2025)

A collaborative, forward-thinking exhibition imagining social change and collective action through art.

Teen Council Projects

The museum runs a Teen Council program that curates exhibitions, such as "Party of Twelve, Please?", a show reflecting the views and voices of NYC youth artists.

Public Programs and Education

The museum is a leader in community-based and educational initiatives, which include:

AIM Fellowship (Artists in the Marketplace):

A professional development program for emerging New York-area artists.

Helps artists navigate the art world with workshops, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities.

Family and Youth Programs:

Art workshops and events for children and families, especially on weekends and during school breaks.

Educational visits and art-making experiences aligned with NYC school curricula.

Talks, Screenings, and Panels:

Regular programming features artist talks, film screenings, and panel discussions that explore contemporary art and urban culture.

Bronx Stories and Community Nights:

Programs that bring together artists, poets, storytellers, and residents to share their experiences through art and dialogue.

Visiting Information

Address: 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Admission: Free to all visitors year-round

Accessibility:

Fully wheelchair-accessible

Multilingual labels and materials available (primarily English and Spanish)

Getting There

Subway:

D or B train to 167th Street (2 blocks north of the museum)

4 train to 161st Street–Yankee Stadium, then walk 10 minutes north on Grand Concourse

Bus:

Bx1, Bx2, and BxM4 stop nearby

By Car:

Limited street parking; paid parking garages available on nearby streets

Summary

The Bronx Museum of the Arts stands as a symbol of accessibility, diversity, and cultural pride. It is one of the most important institutions in NYC promoting contemporary art from a multicultural perspective, grounded in community values and reflective of the Bronx’s identity as a dynamic, creative, and resilient borough.