The Drawing Center in New York is a space dedicated exclusively to the art of drawing in all its forms. Here you can see lesser-known works by famous artists, such as sketches or preparatory studies. In addition, the Center regularly organises experimental exhibitions where drawing intersects with new technologies or merges with other media. For art enthusiasts, it’s a true delight to view works on paper by Richard Serra, Anish Kapoor, Marina Abramović, Egon Schiele, David Hockney, and many more.
History of The Drawing Center
The Drawing Center is a unique museum dedicated to drawing as an independent and fully-fledged form of contemporary art. It was founded in 1977 by Martha Beck, a former curatorial assistant in the Department of Prints and Illustrated Books at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Its mission is to highlight the richness and diversity of drawing as one of the primary forms of artistic expression.
Originally located on the ground floor of a SoHo warehouse rented for just $900 a month, the Center attracted more than 125,000 visitors in its very first year. By the late 1980s, The Drawing Center moved into its current home — a historic cast-iron building at 35 Wooster Street.
After a major $10 million renovation in 2012, designed by architect Claire Weisz of WXY Architecture & Urban Design, the museum expanded significantly. Today it occupies two and a half floors, increasing its exhibition space by 50%.
Collection and Exhibitions
Unlike traditional museums, The Drawing Center is not focused on maintaining a permanent collection. Its strength lies in dynamic, temporary exhibitions that explore drawing in all its diversity. Each visit is a new experience — you won’t find static retrospectives here.
The exhibitions range widely, from classical works by Old Masters to experimental pieces by contemporary artists, from architectural sketches to conceptual notations and graphic works. The Center actively promotes independent, international, and underrecognized artists, giving a platform to voices often left outside the mainstream.
Notable past exhibitions have included works by Louise Bourgeois, Marjorie Welish, and Ibrahim El-Salahi, along with large-scale thematic projects exploring intersections of text and image or political commentary through drawing.
The Center’s mission also includes experimenting with formats: interactive installations, live performances, workshops, and public discussions with artists. All of this transforms The Drawing Center into a living laboratory of art, not just a static exhibition space.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions at The Drawing Center
“In the Medium of Life: The Drawings of Beauford Delaney”
May 30 – September 14, 2025
This exhibition highlights the work of African American artist Beauford Delaney, whose drawings reflect deep reflections on life, identity, and spirituality.
“Drawing Out 2025: Student Exhibition”
June 4 – June 22, 2025
The annual showcase of works by New York City elementary and middle school students who participate in The Drawing Center’s educational programs.
“Voice of Space: UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena”
October 17, 2025 – February 1, 2026
An exhibition exploring the theme of unidentified flying objects and paranormal phenomena through the lens of drawing and contemporary art.
Interesting Facts
- The world’s first museum devoted exclusively to drawing
The Drawing Center was the first cultural institution to make drawing its central focus, proving that a sketch is not just a preparatory stage but a work of art in its own right.
- Founded on passion and belief in art
Martha Beck established the Center in 1977 in a $900/month SoHo warehouse, convinced that drawing deserved its own stage. Within a year, the museum had 125,000 visitors — a remarkable success for a nonprofit space.
- A platform for “invisible” artists
The Drawing Center actively supports overlooked, forgotten, or international artists who rarely appear in major museums, giving audiences a chance to discover new names and perspectives.
- A museum without a permanent collection
Unlike most museums, it does not hold a fixed collection. Every exhibition is temporary and unique, making each visit a special experience.
- Located in a historic building
The museum is housed in a 19th-century cast-iron SoHo building — an architectural gem that is itself part of New York’s cultural heritage.
- Interactive educational programs
The Center collaborates with schools, artists, and scholars, offering lectures, workshops, and courses for all ages.
Visitor Information
Website: www.drawingcenter.org
📍 Address: 35 Wooster St, New York, NY 10013
Admission: Free
