2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for museum lovers, with several high-profile openings and expansions worldwide. This guide offers a sneak peek into the most awaited museum openings and expansions of 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Kunstsilo in Norway and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Egypt are among the most anticipated openings, offering unique insights into Nordic modern art and ancient Egyptian history.
- The Frick Collection in New York is set to reopen after a significant refurbishment, enhancing its historic charm with modern visitor experiences.
- Innovative museums like the Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology in New York City are exploring the intersection of art and technology, promising immersive experiences for visitors.
Kunstsilo: A New Universe of Art in Kristiansand, Norway
Set to open its doors in May 2024, Kunstsilo in Kristiansand, Norway, is transforming a historical grain silo into a cutting-edge art museum. This project will feature three floors of exhibition space showcasing a blend of Nordic Modernist art, including the significant Tangen Collection​​​​​.
The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Gateway to Ancient Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Pyramids of Giza, is poised for a late spring 2024 opening. This monumental museum will house over 100,000 artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb, making it one of the largest museums dedicated to preserving Egypt’s rich history​​​.
The Frick Collection: A New York Legend Reimagined
New York’s beloved Frick Collection is slated for a late 2024 reopening following a comprehensive renovation. This project will see the museum’s historic home on Fifth Avenue enhanced with new gallery spaces, improved accessibility, and modern amenities, all while preserving its storied legacy​​​.
Showtown: Celebrating Entertainment in Blackpool
Opening on March 15, 2024, Showtown in Blackpool will celebrate the UK’s entertainment heritage. The museum will feature 800 objects across six galleries, highlighting the region’s contributions to magic, circuses, and performances​.
The Museum of Shakespeare: An Immersive Journey in London
London’s Museum of Shakespeare, opening in spring 2024, invites visitors to explore the life and times of the Bard in an immersive, interactive setting. Located on the historic Curtain Theatre site in Shoreditch, the museum will blend modern technology with archaeological discoveries to bring Shakespeare’s world to life​​.
Perth Museum: Scotland’s Heritage Hub
After a £27 million renovation, Perth Museum will reopen on March 30, 2024, in Scotland. This museum will center around the Stone of Destiny and feature significant historical artifacts, including Bonnie Prince Charlie’s sword. The museum aims to be a significant tourist attraction, offering a rich program of exhibitions and events​.
Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center: Honoring LGBTQ+ Rights
Scheduled for a June 2024 opening, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City will be the first of its kind dedicated to the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This landmark project underscores the importance of Stonewall in American and global history​​​​.
Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology: New York’s Future-Focused Museum
Opening soon in New York City, the Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology (MOAT) promises a fusion of art and technology across its exhibition spaces. This museum aims to showcase New York’s role in creative tech innovation through immersive experiences and state-of-the-art installations​.
Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand Expansion
In São Paulo, Brazil, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is undergoing its expansion. This project will increase the museum’s exhibition capacity by 66% and establish Avenida Paulista as a cultural hub​​​​.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Expansion
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is set to open NHM Commons in 2024, featuring the first real skeletal mount of a long-neck dinosaur on the West Coast. This expansion reflects a commitment to community and the appreciation of natural history​.
These upcoming openings and expansions reflect the global museum community’s ongoing commitment to enriching public access to cultural, historical, and technological knowledge. Whether you’re drawn to ancient artifacts, modern art, or interactive technology, 2024 has something exciting for everyone.
