The Climate Museum, the first museum in the United States dedicated to climate change, has until now only occupied ephemeral locations. It will now have its permanent space on Hudson Yards, in Manhattan, New York. “This permanent venue, open all year round, will allow a greater number of people to access our interactive artistic and cultural programs”says Miranda Massie, former lawyer and founder of the museum.
Established in 2015, the non-profit Climate Museum has mounted 13 exhibitions in various locations, including “The End of Fossil Fuel” in Soho from 2022 to 2024, which explored the realities of the fossil fuel industry. The museum also hosted nearly 350 events, such as performances and workshops.
Its future location will be on one of the last parcels owned by the city of New York. The city chose the Hudson Boulevard Collective – a partnership between BRP Companies, BXP, The Moinian Group and Urbane Development – to build a $1.35 billion building designed by architecture firm FXCollaborative. This project, also called “Site K”, is part of a larger program aimed at creating affordable housing. A hotel will also be installed there.
Architect’s view of the future Climate Museum on Hudson Yards in New York.
© FXCollaborative
The new building will consist of two towers connected by a common structure. The Climate Museum will occupy 2,220 m2 of this structure, spread over three floors. It will include exhibition spaces, educational workshop spaces, a café and a shop.
Although architectural details have not been communicated, FXCollaborative is committed to constructing a building aimed at LEED Gold certification. This certification promotes ecological architecture according to several criteria: choice of location, accessibility to public transport, water management, energy performance, choice of materials and innovation. The museum also plans to achieve Living Building Challenge certification, considered the most rigorous environmental performance standard in the construction industry. This certification notably includes the “Net Zero” objective in terms of water and energy.
This permanent space represents “a pivotal moment for the Climate Museum and for the role of the cultural sector in the fight against the climate emergency”enthuses Miranda Massie. While waiting for the new space to open, planned for 2027, the museum is looking for a temporary location.
