Collecting Art Is Easy. Running a Museum, Not So Much.
What separates private museums that thrive from those that close their doors is rarely the quality of the collection.
Rubin Museum of Art
The Rubin Museum of Art (The Rubin) was located at 150 W 17th St, New York, NY. It was established in 2004 but announced in early 2024 that it would close its doors in October to become a “virtual museum.” Over two decades, the museum showcased the art and cultures of the Himalayas, India, and neighboring regions, and its collection encompassed more than 3,800 objects, including sculpture, paintings and textiles, with notable pieces from Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Past exhibitions included “The Power of Intention: Reinventing the (Prayer) Wheel” and “Faith and Empire: Art and Politics in Tibetan Buddhism.” The Rubin Museum also offered educational programs, and hosted meditation sessions, and cultural events, as part of its efforts to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Himalayan art and culture. Read more about Museums.
What Happens to the Art When Museums Close?
If you shed tears when a museum closes, expect to do a lot of crying.
The Year in Museums: Political Unrest on One Side and Major Gifts on the Other
It was pretty bad but it wasn’t all bad.
