This article originally appeared as a NYC Department of Cultural Affairs press release.
On Saturday, January 27, NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo joined Brooklyn Museum leadership, local officials, and museum visitors to officially open the new Toby Devan Lewis Education Center. The revamped, 9,500-square-foot space will allow the Museum to better serve the more than 50,000 visitors who participate in its education programs each year, including early childhood learners, school groups, teen audiences, college graduates, older visitors, and visitors with disabilities. The reopening also celebrated the Museum’s expanded and reimagined educational programming, with new offerings on weekends for families and a permanent gallery for installations by renowned artists, students, and the community. The $9 million project was supported by a $6 million investment by the City of New York.
“A museum’s education center is where its most dynamic, community-focused programming takes place, offering a wide open door for residents of all ages to experience the exhibitions and programming in a deeper, more meaningful way,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “The Brooklyn Museum is one of the jewels in our city’s cultural crown, and we’re proud of our investment in their completely revamped education center. I know that me and my son will get to know this new space very well, and I encourage all New Yorkers to plan their visit to Brooklyn Museum today.”
“The Brooklyn Museum has a long tradition of providing arts education for diverse audiences across the borough and beyond,” says Adjoa Jones de Almeida, Brooklyn Museum’s Deputy Director for Learning and Social Impact. “This renovation has been many years in the making. We’re so excited to offer Brooklynites and visitors from all walks of life beautiful spaces where they can connect and nurture their creative potential—where everyone is an artist.” Read more...
