ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

New Museum Reopens with Expansion and Mixed Reviews

institutional · 2026-03-21

The New Museum on Manhattan's Lower East Side has reopened following a multi-year closure, unveiling an $82 million expansion designed by OMA. The reopening has generated varied critical responses. This week's art coverage also includes an open letter from nearly 200 Venice Biennale participants calling for Israel's exclusion, and an opinion piece by Iranian artist Leila Seyedzadeh reflecting on the bombardment of Tehran. Additional news includes the New York Academy of Art donating funds linked to Jeffrey Epstein, and Seattle police arresting a suspect for damaging Chihuly glass artworks.

Key facts

  • The New Museum reopened on Manhattan's Lower East Side after several years closed.
  • The institution underwent an $82 million expansion designed by architecture firm OMA.
  • Nearly 200 artists and staff at the Venice Biennale signed an open letter requesting Israel's exclusion.
  • Iranian artist Leila Seyedzadeh, based in New York, wrote about her feelings regarding Tehran under bombardment.
  • The New York Academy of Art announced it will donate $65,900 in funds associated with Jeffrey Epstein to a survivors' organization.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Manhattan's Lower East Side
  • New York
  • Tehran
  • Venice
  • Seattle
  • Brooklyn Navy Yard
  • West Hartford, Connecticut
  • Minneapolis
  • Düsseldorf

Sources