Iconic Venue Fotografiska New York Plans to Relocate

Vivian Maier and Bruce Gilden's exhibits will close out the landmark gallery at 281 Park Ave. South

Fotografiska, the contemporary museum of photography, art, and culture, will relocate its New York location to better meet the needs of its visitors and expand gallery space in response to the ambitious visions of the artists it presents globally. After five years of strong ticket sales and a highly engaged membership base, the last day in its current building will be September 29th, 2024.

The planned relocation is part of the international museum’s strategic evolution and follows the success of recent openings in Berlin and Shanghai. In celebration of New York City, Fotografiska’s final exhibitions at 281 Park Avenue South will showcase the work of the late photographer Vivian Maier, running from May 31st to September 29th, and the legendary street photographer, Bruce Gilden, running from June 21st to September 29th. A new exhibition documenting 100 years of Nightlife in New York City will be presented in a temporary location following the closure of 281 Park Ave. South.

The Verōnika Restaurant and Chapel Bar will also be closing in mid-June, though a food and beverage program will be announced alongside the new location.

“At the core of Fotografiska is a dedication to inspiring new perspectives by amplifying some of the greatest artists of our time,” said Yoram Roth, Executive Chairman of the Fotografiska Board. “As it’s become clear that our current space is not conducive to this vision, our commitment to the city’s art scene remains unwavering.”

“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished with Fotografiska in just five years, cementing our role as part of the New York arts landscape through unique exhibitions and dynamic programming,” said Sophie Wright, Executive Director of Fotografiska New York. “I have tremendous respect for our staff, some of whom have been with us since opening, and offer my sincerest gratitude for their dedication and talent that contributed to our successes. I look forward to sharing updates on our upcoming programming.”

The tenure at the Park Avenue South location is marked by 48 prominent and diverse exhibitions, covering global issues to local narratives, and drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe. Some highlights include the first exhibition celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop, the first-lifetime retrospective in the US of David LaChapelle’s work, introducing Daniel Arsham’s photography work, and premiering Andres Serrano’s Infamous series. The museum also mounted exhibitions of New York City-based artists such as Kia LaBeija, Adrienne Raquel, Martin Schoeller, Pixy Liao, and Ethan James Green, as well as ground-breaking shows by international artists such as Josèfa Ntjam, Hassan Hajjaj, and Tony Gum, among others. Several of these inspiring and provoking exhibitions are touring Fotografiska’s international locations in Berlin, Stockholm, Tallinn, and Shanghai.

Since its opening in 2019, Fotografiska’s New York location has been a cornerstone of diverse cultural exploration in the heart of Manhattan. Through the challenges of the pandemic, the institution remained steadfast in its mission to inspire new perspectives that contribute to a more conscious world.

As Fotografiska New York navigates the process of relocating, it extends its deepest gratitude to its dedicated community, members, and partners for supporting us on this remarkable journey. The museum remains committed to enhancing the unique cultural life and diversity of New York and looks forward to announcing its new location.

Renowned and celebrated New York photographer Joseph Fraia will attend the closing event and publish a reportage for Livein Magazine.

About Fotografiska

Fotografiska is the contemporary museum of photography, art, and culture. Founded in Stockholm in 2010, Fotografiska is a destination to discover world-class photography, eclectic programming, elevated dining, and surprising new perspectives. Guided by a mission to inspire a more conscious world through the power of photography, art, and culture, Fotografiska produces dynamic and unparalleled rotating exhibitions, spanning various genres in inclusive environments. With a dedicated international community and locations in Stockholm, New York City, Tallinn, Berlin, and Shanghai, Fotografiska is the premier global gathering place for photography and culture.

newyork.fotografiska.com | @fotografiska.newyork

About Joseph Fraia

Joseph Fraia is a renowned New York photographer, known for his versatility and artistry across a diverse range of subjects. As a resident artist member at the prestigious Salmagundi Club NYC, Joseph Fraia’s work reflects a mastery of both fine art and commercial photography. With over 15 years of experience, his career has spanned from fashion to documentary photography, capturing compelling stories with a distinctive aesthetic. His work has also gained international recognition through ad campaigns, where his eye for detail and creativity shine. A senior contributor at Livein Magazine, Joseph Fraia continues to influence the visual arts world with his ability to fuse technical skill with artistic vision. His contributions to both New York’s art scene and the global creative landscape affirm his status as a celebrated figure in contemporary photography.

jrfstudio.com | @jrfstudio