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The Museum of Arts and Design is set to re-open in its new home at 2 Columbus Circle on Saturday, September 27. Fortuitously, MAD will be open to the public for free during its inaugural weekend. Some of the exhibitions on display include Elegant Armor: The Art of Jewelry and Remixing the Ordinary, which showcases mundane, mass-produced objects transformed into contemporary works of art. Also be sure to look for the performers wearing large, balloon-like sculptures known as "Megamites" (designed by Jason Hackenworth) in the front of the museum during the inaugural celebration.
At 54,000 square feet, the new location is triple the size of the museum's old building. Designed by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works, the museum can now hold its entire permanent collection, as well as variety of revolving, temporary ones. MAD also houses several unique installation pieces, including a ceramic, abstract wall relief by Ruth Duckworth and a stained-glass commission by Judith Schaechter. In keeping with its mission to inform, educate, and encourage artistic exploration, there are several classrooms and studios on the museum's sixth floor, as well as a 150-seat auditorium for lectures, performances and symposiums.
Architecturally speaking, the new exterior remains loyal to the boxy original. While it has a more geometric, tiled façade, it still resembles the museum’s old look in a way that’s sure to satisfy preservationists. However, some critics claim the design isn’t bold enough to justify its remodeling. Whatever your opinion on the design, New Yorkers are sure to acknowledge that the new MAD will serve as yet another great artistic space in the city.
Admission is $15 dollars for adults and $12 students and seniors; members get in free. For additional information and historic background, do visit the museum's recently-upgraded website.
Image © Allied Works Architecture
Tags:
mad, museum arts design
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Posted on 9/9/2008
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