The recent groundbreaking of the Bronx Museum of the Arts is a sign of a flourishing borough.
The museum, which has been open for over 50 years, is undergoing a renovation that aims to offer a “world-class space” to art lovers in The Bronx. Just like before, the museum will have exhibitions, programs and learning opportunities for community members of all ages. Additionally, the museum has no entry fee, making it accessible to anyone.
One of the sentiments shared at the groundbreaking is that cultural spaces like the Bronx Museum of the Arts, which will be completely renovated in 2026, can make the surrounding areas safer. A free space to learn about and appreciate art can — and will — have a positive influence on the community.
New York City Commissioner of Culture Laurie Cumbo shared how important it is for kids who grow up in the Bronx to know the beauty of this borough.
“It’s time for our kids to turn on the news and hear good things about The Bronx,” Cumbo said.
Each museum here in The Bronx — even the ones that aren’t open yet — are signs of a flourishing borough, as well.
In addition to the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the Hip-Hop Museum is also being steadily worked on and will be open in 2025. Icons like Rocky Bucano and Joe Conzo Jr. are two of the museum’s founding members.
Additionally, the Bronx Children’s Museum has been entertaining and educating the borough’s kids for nearly 20 years. At the museum’s recent fundraising gala, BXEDC Board Member and Yankees Senior VP Brian Smith won an award for his commitment to the Yankees’ collaboration with the museum. This kind of collaboration is another example of a positive thing to come from a museum in the Bronx.
While the museums in The Bronx may handle different subject matter — some art, some music, some children’s education — they all have one very important common quality: they generate more positive news about this borough.
Jilleen Barrett is director of marketing and communications for the Bronx Economic Development Corporation.