Aperture Breaks Ground for New Home on Upper West Side of New York City

On April 30, 2024, Aperture hosted a ceremonial ground-breaking at 380 Columbus Avenue to mark the commencement of construction of its new permanent home on New York’s Upper West Side, set within two floors of a historical building. Opening in early 2025, the highly visible and welcoming space signals a renewed, long-term vision for Aperture’s future—one that recognizes Aperture’s critical role in bringing together the array of artists, writers, institutions, and enthusiasts that are transformed by photography every day.

While honoring Aperture’s legacy and enduring role in the field, the celebration heralded a new era for the seventy-two-year-old photography publisher and organization. Inspirational remarks were given by elected officials whose steadfast support and capital funding have helped Aperture embark upon this momentous project and expand its access and reach. Gale A. Brewer, New York City council member, recognized the alignment of Aperture’s vision and values with the interests of the local community; Laurie Cumbo, commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, attested to the vitality instilled by the arts and the importance of culture being widely accessible for all New Yorkers; and Keisha Sutton-James, Manhattan’s deputy borough president, addressed the economic and cultural impact of Aperture and the arts within New York City. Colette Veasey-Cullors, Aperture trustee and Education Committee member, emphasized Aperture’s commitment to education and the illumination of a range of perspectives and pointed to the variety of public programs that Aperture has developed and will continue to offer at its new home.

Along with Aperture Executive Director Sarah Meister and Board Chair Cathy M. Kaplan, additional trustees, staff, and friends joined the event, including artists, funders, representatives from the neighborhood, and colleagues from fellow arts organizations.

“Today marks the start of a new era for Aperture,” said Aperture Executive Director Sarah Meister. “By expanding our reach and enhancing access to critical conversations around photography, we further solidify Aperture’s enduring role within New York City’s cultural landscape worldwide.”

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine stated: “I’m thrilled to see Aperture expanding into their new home on the Upper West Side, and I look forward to how Aperture will grow photography’s footprint in the city and partner with the community along the way. The arts stand as indispensable pillars, crucial to both our cultural richness and economic vitality, and Aperture is a testament to the innovation and prosperity that the arts bring to New York City.”

“Aperture’s mission of cultivating, promoting, and supporting cutting-edge photographers and photography is more essential than ever, and we’re thrilled to break ground on a permanent new home for this extraordinary organization,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “With $1 million in support from the city, this new building will allow Aperture to connect with a wider audience more deeply, with their remarkable programming. Investing in culture means investing in good jobs and strong communities, and we’re proud to partner with groups like Aperture to deliver world-class cultural facilities that are open and accessible to all New Yorkers.”

“I couldn’t be happier that Aperture is moving to 78th Street, a transformational moment for the organization and a gift to the Upper West Side,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer. “Congratulations to Sarah Meister and all who played a role in transforming this magnificent space. This new home will expand Aperture’s reach and its impact.”

Aperture, Bookstore, 2024

Aperture, Editorial Offices, 2024

Aperture, Lobby, 2024

Aperture, Project Room, 2024

Aperture, Commons, 2024

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Award-winning architecture practice LEVENBETTS is adapting the ground floor and an additional level of the exquisitely maintained 1886 structure into ten thousand square feet of innovative and accessible new space, all while retaining the building’s historical character. Aperture’s permanent home will become a hub welcoming public engagement, with flexible spaces for events and art installations, a bookstore, and reimagined office and production areas for its robust publishing program. At the corner of 380 Columbus Avenue and Seventy-Eighth Street, the new home situates Aperture at the nexus of a vibrant residential neighborhood and bustling cultural destination.

Established in 1952, Aperture has long been a galvanizing force for the photography community, not just in New York but globally. Aperture has been located for nearly two decades at a fourth-floor space in Chelsea, where the organization has mounted exhibitions and public programs, published Aperture magazine and countless acclaimed photobooks, and hosted its bookstore and limited-edition print program.

Aperture acknowledges that the building for its new home is situated in Lenapehoking, land of the displaced Lenape. Aperture remains committed to amplifying a diversity of voices, including supporting the achievements of Indigenous artists. Through publications and programming instilled in the belief in the role of photography to encourage a more just, tolerant society, Aperture strives to create a welcoming forum that respects history while advancing a broader and more equitable vision for the future. 

Aperture’s active capital campaign includes major support from the New York State Council on the Arts; City of New York, including the Manhattan Borough President, New York City Council, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; full participation from Aperture’s Board of Trustees; and support from individuals.

See here to learn about the many ways to support Aperture during this historic moment.

Read more about Aperture’s new home as featured in the New York Times.