New York’s Rubin Museum of Art is closing its building in Chelsea later this year as part of plans to become a “global museum”.
The Rubin, which cares for a collection of Himalayan art, said in a press release it is “redefining what it means to be a museum in the 21st century”.
As a spaceless institution, it will offer a loan programme and travelling exhibitions in partnership with other cultural organisations.
It will also expand its research into Himalayan art, and invest in digital experiences and learning resources.
“We are redefining what a museum can be”
Founded in 2004 by Donald and Shelley Rubin, the museum’s collection is largely comprised of Buddhist works from the Tibetan Plateau.
The Rubin will close on 6 October. The decision to sell its building comes after an “in-depth analysis of the cultural sector and its position in it, the needs of international audiences, and the opportunity to execute its mission with a global outlook and impact”.
“While it has been a privilege to welcome visitors to the Rubin in New York over the last 20 years, our anniversary inspired reflection on how we can achieve the greatest possible impact well into the future,” said Shelley Frost Rubin, co-founder.
“The result is the firm belief that a more expansive model will allow us to best serve our mission – not changing ‘why’ we share Himalayan art with the world, but ‘how’ we do it.
“Bold change has always been in the Rubin’s DNA, and we are excited to embrace what our future as a global museum has to offer.”
Noah Dorsky, the Rubin’s board president, added: “The definition of what a museum is has evolved dramatically in recent years – questions of its role in culture and society at large, its recognition of the changing needs of the communities it serves, its value to cultural
consumers, to name a few.
“Historically, the Rubin’s culture embraces continual change and evolution, and in our new incarnation, we are redefining what a museum can be.
“Realigning our resources will empower us to reach much broader and diverse audiences, prioritize accessibility, galvanize creativity, advance scholarship, and champion new modes of engagement in a fast-changing world.”
Images courtesy of the Rubin Museum of Art
