Neue Galerie New York

In November 2001, Neue Galerie New York opened its doors for the first time. As Roberta Smith reported in The New York Times, “The first new art museum to open in New York in the 21st century is little short of superb.” Her review continued: “The Neue Galerie is just starting out, but its beginnings are a useful demonstration of the way nearly all New York museums founded in the first half of the 20th century [...] came to be. They were propelled into existence by a few people dedicated to making their passion for a particular type of art as contagious as possible. It's good to be reminded of the strength of such feelings and what they can accomplish.” This autumn, we will celebrate the Neue Galerie’s twenty-fifth anniversary. As we reach this milestone, our focus remains on the future of the institution. As such, our museum is steering a new course. Neue Galerie New York and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) recently announced that they are pursuing a landmark agreement to merge the Neue Galerie with The Met. This represents an extraordinary gift to the public, bringing together the most significant collection of 20th-century Austrian and German art outside Europe under a single institution—while preserving the Neue Galerie’s distinctive, intimate museum experience. Timed with the Neue Galerie’s 25th anniversary, the agreement marks a transformative step in preserving and advancing this extraordinary cultural legacy for future generations. The Met and the Neue Galerie plan to complete the merger and bring the Neue Galerie’s collection and its historic building under The Met’s ownership in 2028, following all necessary approvals. For now until the merger is complete in 2028, the Neue Galerie will continue to operate independently. The longevity of 1048 Fifth Avenue, our historic home, depends on careful, loving, ongoing upkeep, and our restoration plans for Summer 2026 remain. The building was completed in 1914 by Carrère & Hastings (architects of the New York Public Library) and is designated a landmark by the New York Landmarks Commission. We have been engaged in a multi-phased process to enhance the building and fortify it for the next chapter. To ensure the ongoing vitality of our institution, after Memorial Day Weekend we will begin the next phase of the project, and the museum will be closed beginning May 27, 2026.