Buffalo Art Museum Named One of the Best New Museums in America
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum in Western New York has been recognized as one of the top new art museums in the U.S.
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum: A Haven for Art Enthusiasts
Art museums play a vital role in providing a space for introspection, celebrating diversity, and connecting the past, present, and future. Recently, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum in Western New York was voted as one of the best new museums in America.
Formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the museum was established in 1862 by the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy. It opened its first gallery in 1905 and is now considered one of the oldest museums dedicated to contemporary art in the United States. It has also been recognized as the sixth-oldest public art institution in the country.
Transformation and Expansion of the Museum
Over the years, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum has undergone significant growth and expansion. However, it wasn't until 2019 that plans for a major expansion and renovation were initiated. The museum closed its doors that year to begin the construction of new gallery spaces and an enhanced education wing.
After several years of work, the project was finally completed, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in June 2023. The museum, now known as the Buffalo AKG, has doubled its gallery size to an impressive 50,000 square feet, showcasing over 400 artworks. Surprisingly, 15% of their permanent collection has yet to be displayed, according to the New York Times.
Artistic Treasures and Clyfford Still Collection
While the Buffalo AKG Art Museum may not house Egyptian antiquities or Renaissance paintings, it boasts an impressive collection of artworks by renowned artists such as Paul Gauguin, Claude Monet, and Jackson Pollock.
A standout feature of the museum is its display of 33 massive paintings by the Abstract Expressionist pioneer Clyfford Still. This collection, showcased in the newest gallery building until February 2024, makes the museum the second-largest holder of the artist's works worldwide, following the Clyfford Still Museum's collection.
