Jewish Museum of New York Renovation by UNS

Jewish Museum of New York Renovation Design by UNS

June 3, 2026

Design: UNS, in collaboration with New Affiliates Architecture and Method Design

Address: 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, New York City, NY 10128, United States

Photos: Inessa Binenbaum courtesy of The Jewish Museum

UNS BRINGS NEW LIGHT TO NEW YORK CITY’S JEWISH MUSEUM

UNS, in collaboration with New Affiliates Architecture and Method Design, has completed the reimagining of the collection galleries and new learning center at the Jewish Museum in New York. The project transforms half of the public space within the Museum and marks the institution’s most significant renewal in over 30 years.

Central to this transformation is the integration of galleries and education spaces on the Museum’s fourth floor, and the debut of a new collection installation and narrative on the third floor.

The transformation of the upper gallery floors balances the Museum’s historical values with a forward-looking vision. Designed as a dynamic, multifunctional environment, the new fourth floor of the museum integrates reconfigured galleries with a state-of-the-art, 7,000-square-foot learning center dedicated to education and engagement that significantly enhances the Museum’s ability to serve its diverse audiences. The renovated floor, which had been largely closed to the public, now offers light-filled exhibition galleries displaying over 200 works of fine art, ceremonial objects, artifacts, and decorative art from the Museum’s collection, as well as facilities for education and artmaking to serve the nearly 40,000 students and adults who enjoy education programs in the Museum each year.

Inspired by the principle of a traditional cultural salon, the renovated areas function as both a social and intellectual gathering space – encouraging visitors to pause, converse, and engage in critical dialogue about art and society, framed by new, expansive views of Central Park.

Displaying history

The centerpiece of the design is a floor-to-ceiling, 50-foot, custom vitrine displaying more than 130 Hanukkah lamps from the Museum’s holdings of more than 1,000 lamps from diverse cultures, periods, and places.

This fully transparent and meticulously detailed vitrine overlooks the renewed double-height gallery and the highly flexible collection galleries below. These third-floor galleries are designed to accommodate hands-on activities, rotating exhibitions, and public events and are purposebuilt to engage diverse audiences with Jewish heritage and contemporary artistic practice. The vitrine creates a visual and symbolic link between the galleries devoted to telling stories and those engaged with teaching and learning.

Inclusive Design

Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the design. The layout ensures intuitive navigation and smooth circulation, with step-free access, wide pathways, accessible restrooms, and integrated seating to accommodate a range of physical and cognitive needs. Furniture and wayfinding are carefully designed to enhance comfort and engagement, ensuring the space is welcoming for all visitors.

UNS’s expertise in cultural spaces, interior design, and health consulting played a pivotal role in shaping the renovation of the museum. Here, the team envisioned spaces that transcend functionality, offering memorable and uplifting experiences, and every detail was crafted to foster comfort, connection, and adaptability for future needs. The integration of dynamic, healthfocused solutions ensures that the museum prioritizes the well-being of its visitors. This holistic approach not only enhances the physical and emotional experience of the space but also aligns with the museum’s commitment to sustainability and long-term community impact.

By blurring the boundaries between exhibition, education, and community, the project exemplifies the museum’s commitment to fostering inclusive, relevant, and forward-looking cultural experiences.

Other cultural projects by UNS include the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany and the Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Currently in progress are the Dadu Children’s Museum in Doha, Qatar, the Chungnam Art Museum in South Korea and the WestK performing Arts Centre in Hong Kong.

Jewish Museum of New York Renovation – Building Information

Project Credits:

Client: Jewish Museum New York
UNS Team: Ben van Berkel, Frans van Vuure with Melinda Matuz, Caterina Micucci, Artemis Kyriakou, Leon Hansmann, Derrick Diporedjo, Aigul Sadrtdinova, Riccardo Persico

Advisors:

AoR / Local Architect: Method Design, NY
Exhibition Designer: New Affiliates, NY
Lighting Design: Clinard Design Studio, NY
Feature Display: Goppion, Milan, IT
Building Services Engineering: Altieri
Structural Engineering: Silman Structural Solutions
General Contractor: Consigli Construction
Clients Rep: DBI Projects

Photography by: Inessa Binenbaum courtesy of The Jewish Museum

UNS

The Jewish Museum of New York Renovation images / information from UNS on 030626

+++

Previously on e-architect:

Oct 6, 2008
Jewish Museum of New York Exhibition 2008
Design: Studio ST Architects & Z-A

Jewish Museum of New York Exhibition

Address: 1109 Fifth Ave at 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128, United States of America

Contact: (212) 423-3200

Location: 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street, New York City, USA