The American Folk Art Museum in New York City features an extensive collection of traditional crafts and works by artists that reflect the rich cultural heritage and self-expression of the people. It is the only museum in New York dedicated to folk and self-taught artists. Here, works honed primarily through personal experience rather than formal art education are especially valued.
History
The museum held its first exhibition in a rented space on 53rd Street in 1961. At that time, its mission was to promote American folk art.
However, in the 1990s, the museum’s mission expanded, and works by African American and Latin American artists were added to the collection. In 1998, the Contemporary Center was established to focus on 20th–21st-century self-taught artists and art brut. In 2001, the Henry Darger Study Center opened. That same year, the museum adopted its current name to emphasize that “American” reflects its location rather than limiting its artistic scope. Since then, the museum has exhibited works from Latin America, Europe, and other regions.
Since 1979, the museum has sought a permanent building. In 2001, a new building on 53rd Street opened but was sold to MoMA and demolished in 2014 due to debt. Since then, the main site has been the Lincoln Square branch. In 2017, the Self-Taught Genius Gallery opened in Long Island City, funded by the Henry Luce Foundation. In 2025, the museum temporarily closed for renovation.
Collection and Exhibitions
Considered “one of New York’s treasures,” the American Folk Art Museum’s collection includes more than 7,000 objects, almost entirely assembled through donations. It includes:
– over 1,200 paintings,
– 1,500 drawings,
– 1,000 sculptures,
– 1,000 textiles,
– 200 ceramic pieces,
– 100 furniture items,
– 300 decorative household objects,
as well as two architectural models.
The museum also maintains a large archive: artists’ materials, films, audio recordings, photographs, research, and historical documents. Especially valuable is the world’s largest archive of self-taught artist Henry Darger.
The collection features portraits by Sheldon Peck, Ammi Phillips, Asa Ames; vibrant works by Sam Doyle and the Shute family; textiles, furniture, weather vanes, and pieces by renowned masters such as Thornton Dial, Morris Hirshfield, Martin Ramirez, Judith Scott, Mary T. Smith, and Bill Traylor.
The museum continues to expand its collection. Recent acquisitions include a version of Peaceable Kingdom by Edward Hicks, portraits by Sheldon Peck, Mephitic Models by Paul Laffoley, Plantation Life by Clementine Hunter, and Heavenly Children by William Matthew Prior. In 2021, street artist KAWS donated a rare sculpture by William Edmondson.
Interesting Facts about the Museum
- When the museum opened in 1961, it had no building, no permanent collection, and no endowment. It began with a rented space and a single donated object — a gate in the shape of a U.S. flag.
- The 53rd Street building, opened in 2001 and designed by renowned architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, won architectural awards but was demolished in 2014 after being sold to MoMA. This caused public outcry.
- More than 90% of the museum’s collection was donated by artists’ descendants, collectors, and patrons.
Visitor Information
Museum website: www.folkartmuseum.org
📍 Address: 2 Lincoln Square, New York, NY 10023
Admission: Free
