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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2002
PR-167-02
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG WELCOMES THE OPENING OF THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART IN QUEENS


Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today celebrated the grand opening of The Museum of Modern Art in Long Island City, Queens. MoMA QNS will present a dynamic program of exhibitions while construction is underway at the Museum's midtown Manhattan site over the next three years. The new location, a former Swingline staple factory, has been transformed into a showcase for modern and contemporary art. Governor George E. Pataki, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris, Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin, New York State Council on the Arts Chairman Richard Schwartz, MoMA Chairman Emeritus David Rockefeller, Chairman Ronald Lauder, President Agnes Gund and Director Glenn D. Lowry were among those who attended the event.

"Since 1929, The Museum of Modern Art has been a New York City treasure that attracts art lovers from all over the world," said Mayor Bloomberg. "New York is a City of great cultural riches - and Queens plays an increasingly important role as a burgeoning cultural center. MoMA QNS is one of our newest and most dynamic cultural attractions."

"The opening of MoMA QNS is a milestone occasion for The Museum of Modern Art and a new cultural landmark for the State, the City and the borough of Queens, where the arts are thriving," said MoMA Director Glenn D. Lowry. "The new museum has provided us with the opportunity to connect as never before with the communities of New York."

The new space encompasses 160,000 square feet, with 25,000 square feet of exhibition space, a café and store, conservation laboratory, library and public reading room, imaging, and framing facilities, offices and storage space. MoMA QNS will also serve as a permanent home for storage of MoMA's collection, as well as a facility for conservation, study, and research. MoMA QNS joins a growing list of cultural destinations, galleries, and artists located in Long Island City, just across the East River from Manhattan. The new Museum of Modern Art, designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, is scheduled to open in 2005 in midtown Manhattan, in conjunction with MoMA's 75th anniversary year. Through the Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of New York is providing $65 million in capital funding for the project.

The Museum has hosted group tours of its Manhattan facility by more than 60 Queens borough public, elementary, middle, and high schools over the years. MoMA QNS will be increasing its interactions with local educational institutions, including the four high schools housed within LaGuardia Community College, as well as Grover Cleveland High School, P.S. 199, and P.S. 69. LaGuardia Community College will collaborate with the Museum to offer educational programs to its students and faculty. The Museum's education department will work closely with its counterpart at P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center and continue to bring school groups to exhibitions at both venues.

MoMA QNS will celebrate its opening with five inaugural exhibitions on June 29th and 30th, including free admission and complimentary shuttle bus service from Manhattan and Queens for visitors. Additionally, a fireworks display conceived by artist Cai Guo-Qiang will light up the East River at 9:30 p.m. on opening day, Saturday, June 29th. For more information call (212) 708-9400 or visit www.moma.org/momaqns.

 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Ed Skyler / Megan Sheekey
(212) 788-2958
Kim Mitchell (MoMA)
(212) 333-6594