After a decade of planning and construction, the Princeton University Art Museum will open the doors to its brand-new 146,000-square-foot home on October 31, 2025. To mark the occasion, the museum will host a 24-hour open house, inviting the community to experience its stunning new space and extensive collection.

"This will be an opportunity for us to show everything the building has the capacity to do," said James Steward, director of the museum. While the event schedule is still in progress, Steward envisions activities such as a dance party, yoga sessions, spoken-word poetry, curator-led tours, and a film screening. The annual Princeton Halloween parade will also be rerouted to conclude at the museum, transforming the event into a family-friendly celebration.

A Design That Amplifies Art

Located on Princeton University’s campus, the museum’s new home was designed by Adjaye Associates, with Cooper Robertson serving as the executive architect. The new structure doubles the size of the previous museum, which was demolished in 2021, and emphasizes both functionality and aesthetics.

"There’s a materiality to our new building that’s really important," Steward explained. "It’s truly a project of form following function, built from the inside out and amplifying the art inside." He highlighted the rich use of materials in the interiors, drawing inspiration from Princeton’s Gothic Revival architecture, and praised the enhanced natural lighting, a stark contrast to the dim environment of the previous building.

Despite controversy surrounding lead architect David Adjaye, Steward defended the project, stating, "We were already 60% through construction when the scandal erupted. A flawed human being can make beautiful work."

Opening Exhibitions and Future Plans

For its debut, the museum’s 80,000 square feet of gallery space will primarily showcase its permanent collection, including newly acquired works by Mark Rothko, Joan Mitchell, and Gerhard Richter. Additionally, a special exhibition will highlight Princeton professor and ceramicist Toshiko Takaezu.

"We’re opening the building with a celebration of the collection," Steward said, emphasizing a focus on female artists and a more equitable approach to displaying works. With most gallery spaces on a single floor, the layout "breaks down the hierarchies of display," offering a more accessible visitor experience.

In six months, rotating exhibitions will commence, including:

• Spring 2026: A major Willem de Kooning exhibition, featuring one of his most significant works from the museum's collection. "We have one of his most important works, and we’re building a show around it," Steward said.
• Spring 2026: A photography exhibition highlighting the works and influence of Minor White, Aaron Siskind, and Harry Callahan.
• Autumn 2026: A Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition, showcasing the museum’s prized Basquiat work.

A Museum for the Future

Steward acknowledged the challenging political and economic climate but emphasized the importance of art in today’s world. "Art is an act of joy and optimism," he said, expressing his excitement about making art an integral part of everyday life for the Princeton community and beyond.

With a new, state-of-the-art facility, expanded exhibition spaces, and a commitment to education and engagement, the Princeton University Art Museum is set to become a major cultural landmark for generations to come.

Originally reported by The Art Newspaper.