Aperture Secures Major Gifts for New Permanent Home on New York City’s Upper West Side

New York, NY, December 8, 2025—Aperture has received major, transformative gifts, from Judy Glickman Lauder and Jon Stryker and Slobodan Randjelović, towards the establishment of its new permanent home at 380 Columbus Avenue in New York City. Advancing an active, multi-year campaign that has raised, to date, over $16 million of its $20-million goal, this significant funding affirms the vision for a permanent home that will empower this nonprofit publisher to expand its mission to cultivate community and build understanding through photography. Aperture welcomes audiences into its new headquarters in spring 2026, with opening events and programming to be announced in the coming months.

“Aperture has long occupied an essential role in shaping the course of photography—they have a legacy of supporting artists through landmark publications, distinct programming, and an open and exciting conversation around how and why photographs can reveal new perspectives about our world,” said Judy Glickman Lauder. “I look forward to all that will be achieved in the next chapter and in the new space.”

“We align with Aperture to recognize and uphold the value of celebrating a wide variety of voices from established artists as well as underrepresented practitioners in the field. By transforming a historic corner on the Upper West Side into an anchor for this world-renowned photography organization, Aperture will actively reach an even greater audience, and we are proud to support their work of connecting people through photographs,” stated Jon Stryker and Slobodan Randjelović.

“As we make this historic transition to our permanent home and cement a long-term vision for our future, Aperture is truly grateful for the generosity of Judy, Jon, and Slo, and also from our Trustees, state and local officials, and the many others who have championed our work,” said Sarah Meister, Executive Director, Aperture. “With their support and our shared belief in the power of photography, we remain committed to more fully realize the vision that our founders established in 1952 to communicate not only with ‘serious photographers’ but, equally, and, critically, with ‘creative people everywhere.’”

With renovations and design led by the architectural firm LEVENBETTS and construction management firm Sciame, Aperture’s new home of just over 10,000 square feet is being transformed into a hub for collaboration and convening, and a site for public engagement with its publications and photography initiatives. The two-story space within a historic building includes the ground floor and an expansive street presence and will feature a bookstore, flexible spaces for art installations, artist talks, and events, and office areas, enhancing opportunities to greet new audiences, build membership and donor support, and increase sales revenue. The historic building is located at 380 Columbus Avenue and 78th Street, situating Aperture at the nexus of a vibrant residential neighborhood and bustling tourist destination—across from the American Museum of Natural History and blocks from the New York Historical and Central Park—providing unprecedented access to local and international audiences in the organization’s esteemed 73-year history.

Aperture’s capital campaign to date includes major grants from the Thompson Family Foundation; New York State Council on the Arts; and City of New York, including the Manhattan Borough President, New York City Council, and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Support for the campaign reflects the full participation of Aperture’s Board of Trustees, including leadership gifts from Thomas R. Schiff, Melissa O’Shaughnessy, Vasant Nayak, and Michael Hoeh, along with generous contributions from other individuals and foundations. The acquisition of the new space was led by Cathy Kaplan, Chair of Aperture’s Board; Helen Nitkin, Chair of the Board’s Real Estate Committee; and Sarah Meister, Executive Director. Financing has been provided by LISC NY, a nonprofit community development institution.

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About Aperture
Aperture is a nonprofit publisher that leads conversations around photography worldwide. From its base in New York, Aperture connects global audiences and supports artists through its acclaimed quarterly magazine, books, exhibitions, digital platforms, public programs, limited-edition prints, and awards. Established in 1952 to advance “creative thinking, significantly expressed in words and photographs,” Aperture champions photography’s vital role in nurturing curiosity and encouraging a more just, tolerant society.

Contact:
Lauren Van Natten
publicity@aperture.org