Studio Museum in Harlem

Founded in 1968 in a Fifth Avenue loft by Charles E. Inniss and a group of artists, activists, and Harlem residents, the museum has played a pivotal role in elevating contemporary art of the African diaspora. It relocated to its current location in Harlem in 1982 and announced the inauguration of a new building in November 2025. Follow Studio Museum in Harlem on Ocula for news about its legacy and future programming.

Studio Museum in Harlem sits in the vibrant heart of Harlem at 144 W 125th Street, New York, surrounded by the neighborhood’s rich cultural landmarks and contemporary galleries, such as Gavin Brown’s Enterprise and Elizabeth Dee Gallery. Use Ocula’s New York Art Guide to map the museum’s location and plan your visit.

The museum is committed to showcasing contemporary art from African American and African diaspora artists. Signature exhibitions have included solo exhibitions dedicated to Tom Lloyd, Romare Bearden, Dawoud Bey, and Glen Ligon. The Artist-in-Residence Alumni Installation is a must-see, featuring nearly 9,000 works in painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. Follow Studio Museum in Harlem on Ocula for expert exhibition alerts.

Current and upcoming exhibitions and events are listed on the official website and social channels. For curated recommendations and alerts on the most important news, follow the Studio Museum on Ocula.

Studio Museum has hosted influential artists such as Faith Ringgold, Jordan Casteel, Barkley L. Hendricks, Lorraine O’Grady, Norman Lewis, and Glenn Ligon, as well as Artist-in-Residence alumni including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Simone Leigh, and Kehinde Wiley. You can use Ocula to learn more about the artists who have shown at Studio Museum in Harlem by exploring their profiles on Ocula.

Nearby Harlem features outstanding contemporary galleries such as Gavin Brown’s Enterprise, Elizabeth Dee Gallery, and others. Consult Ocula’s New York Art Guide for a curated list of exhibitions and galleries to build your itinerary.

While museums do not generally sell artworks, some fundraising initiatives may offer limited editions from exhibiting artists.

Many artists connected to Studio Museum are represented by top commercial art galleries—Ocula’s artwork selections and artist profiles can guide visitors on viewing, inquiring about, or purchasing artworks by artists from these commercial galleries. For expert advice, Ocula’s experienced art advisors are available to assist.

The museum’s new purpose-built facility prioritizes accessibility, with elevators, ramps, and amenities designed for all visitors. Detailed accessibility information can be found on the museum’s official website.

Studio Sundays feature free admission for all visitors, while other days have a suggested ticket price. Children under 16 are always admitted free, making the museum welcoming for families and young learners.