A major transformation is underway at the Brooklyn Museum, where a $13 million renovation will create permanent, purpose-built galleries dedicated to its celebrated African art collection–marking a significant milestone for the 200-year-old institution.
The project will reimagine how visitors experience one of the largest and most important Arts of Africa collections in the United States, shifting it from underutilized storage-adjacent spaces into a dynamic, fully realized gallery environment designed for long-term display.
A New Home for a World-Class Collection
Located on the museum’s third floor near the landmark Beaux-Arts Court, the new galleries will span approximately 6,400 square feet and present more than 300 works ranging from antiquity to contemporary pieces.
For the first time, the redesigned space will also create a seamless connection between the Arts of Africa galleries and the museum’s Egyptian art galleries–offering visitors a more cohesive view of African art across regions and histories, rather than separating North Africa from the rest of the continent.
The curatorial approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of African cultures through major geographic and cultural corridors such as the Sahara Desert and Atlantic Ocean, highlighting exchange, movement, and shared artistic traditions across time.
What Visitors Will See Inside
The permanent galleries are designed not just as exhibition space, but as an immersive narrative of Africa’s artistic legacy. Highlights of the installation include:
- A wide-ranging display of more than 300 objects spanning thousands of years
- A diverse mix of classical sculpture, contemporary works, photography, and video
- Key pieces such as Ethiopian processional crosses, Yorùbá masquerade regalia, and early Kuba ndop figures
- A layout that blends historical architecture with modern display techniques and lighting systems
Rather than presenting the collection as static or purely historical, the galleries will frame African art as a living, evolving continuum that reflects both tradition and innovation.
Why This Renovation Matters
The project represents a broader institutional effort to activate previously unused spaces and bring more of the museum’s vast collection into public view. Many of the areas being renovated were previously used for storage, limiting access to significant works that have long been part of the museum’s holdings.
By converting these areas into permanent galleries, the museum aims to enhance visitor engagement while expanding how African art is interpreted and presented within an encyclopedic museum context.
The design will be led by Brooklyn-based architecture firm Peterson Rich Office, in consultation with Beyer Blinder Belle for historic preservation. Their approach balances preservation of the building’s historic character with the integration of modern infrastructure such as updated climate control and lighting systems.
Timeline: When the Galleries Will Open
The project is already moving forward, with a clear multi-year timeline:
- Summer 2026: Renovations begin
- Fall 2027: New permanent galleries expected to open
Once complete, the galleries will be included with general admission, making the collection more accessible to both local visitors and tourists.
A Long-Term Vision for the Museum
According to museum leadership, the renovation is part of a broader effort to revitalize the institution’s physical spaces and expand its role as a cultural hub in Brooklyn. The new African art galleries build on years of planning, research, and conservation work led by the museum’s curatorial team.
Ultimately, the project reflects a shift toward presenting African art in a more integrated, context-rich environment–one that acknowledges both its global influence and its deep regional diversity.
Know Before You Go
- 📍 Where: Brooklyn Museum, Third Floor (Arts of Africa galleries)
- 🗓️ When: Expected Fall 2027
- 🎟️ Tickets: Included with general admission
When complete, the new galleries will not only showcase a world-class collection, but also redefine how African art is experienced, interpreted, and connected within one of New York City’s most iconic museums.