Dia:Chelsea is one of the flagship spaces of the Dia Art Foundation, dedicated to contemporary art and ambitious, large-scale projects. Unlike traditional galleries, Dia:Chelsea focuses on long-term solo exhibitions, performances, and programs that allow visitors to engage with art in greater depth. More than just a gallery, it is a site where art, architecture, and community come together.
History
The Dia Art Foundation was founded in 1974 to support visionary projects that extend beyond conventional art institutions. In 1987, Dia opened its first space in Chelsea at 548 West 22nd Street under the name Dia Center for the Arts. This venue played a major role in transforming the neighborhood into a hub of New York’s contemporary art scene.
In 2012, the foundation acquired new properties on West 22nd Street and began a major renovation. Designed by Architecture Research Office (ARO), the project unified three adjacent buildings into a single 32,500-square-foot complex, including 20,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Dia:Chelsea reopened in 2021 with free admission for all visitors.
Architecture
The complex retains the industrial character of Chelsea: exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and arched structures. New skylights bring in natural light, while modern systems ensure climate control.
The renovation also introduced a bookstore, a 150-seat lecture hall, and a flexible open floor plan for exhibitions.
Exhibitions
Dia:Chelsea is known for extended solo presentations, giving audiences the opportunity to explore an artist’s work in depth.
At its reopening in 2021, the space featured Lucy Raven’s Ready Mix (2021), a 50-minute film about a concrete plant in Idaho, alongside her kinetic light sculptures Casters X-2 + X-3 (2021).
Colombian artist Delcy Morelos also presented an installation exploring humanity’s connection to the earth: a monumental clay-and-soil pyramid. Everyday material, transformed into something monumental, blurred the line between the ordinary and the unexpected.
Public & Educational Programs
Dia:Chelsea runs a vibrant program of talks, readings, and discussions. The “Artists on Artists” lecture series invites artists to reflect on the work of their peers, while poetry readings and public conversations open new perspectives on art and culture.
The on-site bookstore and reading room further extend the experience, offering visitors access to art theory and literature.
Visitor Information
Website: www.diaart.org
📍 Address: 537 West 22nd Street, New York, NY
Admission: Free
