This NYC Museum To Close For Summer Renovations

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The American Folk Art Museum is planning to close its doors on the Upper West Side this summer for renovations, as part of a strategic, year-long plan to revitalize the museum's physical space, museum officials said.

The closure is the first of multiple phases to upgrade the museum's infrastructure, renovate and expand its office space, remodel its public restrooms, and install new flooring throughout the rooms, the museum said.

The museum will also redesign its gift shop, turn its existing courtyard into a functional public space, and redesign the facade to attract visitors, museum officials said.

The full closure of the museum starts May 26 and lasts until Sept. 26, when it will reopen with an exhibit featuring quilts from makers across generations in the United States, museum officials said.

The new exhibit, "Ecology of Quilts: The Natural History of American Textiles," explores how quilt-making has been influenced by the ecological and social consequences of agricultural production, industrial manufacturing, and international distribution networks in the United States.

“For more than 30 years, AFAM has invested in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, and there is much to look forward to with the most significant upgrades and renovations to our space in decades," Jason T. Busch, the director and CEO of the museum, said.

"As the nation’s museum of folk and self-taught art, we are excited to unveil a completely new AFAM in early 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in style."

The museum is located on the ground floor of 2 Lincoln Square, in a building owned by the Manhattan New York Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has a church on-site.

The museum's renovations are scheduled to coincide with renovations being made to the Temple, museum officials said. Both projects are funded by the church.

But, if you just can't stay away, good news: The museum's gift shop will remain open during regular hours from May 28 to June 1, and then open in a more limited capacity until Aug. 12.

On Aug. 13, the gift shop will reopen in its full capacity, while the galleries remain closed.

Know of an opening or closing in Manhattan? Email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.