MoMA PS1 predates its affiliation with the Museum of Modern Art — it was founded in 1976 as Project Studios One, an independent art space in a converted public school building in western Long Island City, with a mandate to present work that the established art world wouldn’t. The affiliation with MoMA came in 2000 but didn’t change the institution’s curatorial character: PS1 still presents large-scale installation work, emerging artists, and experimental practices that MoMA’s more conservative collecting program can’t accommodate.
The Building and the Courtyard
The converted 1890s public school building is the museum’s primary asset — the tall-ceilinged rooms, the tiled corridors, and the overall institutional scale create a context for large-scale installation art that purpose-built contemporary art museums often fail to achieve. The courtyard, where the Warm Up music series takes place in summer, receives a new architectural installation each year from the museum’s Young Architects Program, which commissions an emerging architecture firm to design a temporary structure that provides shade and seating during the concerts.
The Warm Up Summer Series
Warm Up runs Saturday afternoons from July through early September in the PS1 courtyard. The programming focuses on electronic music, DJs, and live performance — consistently among the best curated outdoor music events in New York City. Tickets are $20-25 and sell out for the most popular lineups; the full season lineup is announced in spring. For New Yorkers interested in contemporary electronic music culture, the Warm Up series is genuinely essential.
The Exhibitions
PS1’s exhibition program rotates frequently and is best experienced after checking the website for current shows. The museum has presented early or significant work by artists including Gordon Matta-Clark, James Turrell, William Kentridge, and dozens of others. The “Greater New York” survey exhibitions (every five years, showcasing emerging New York-based artists) are the most significant regular programming.
Getting There and Practical Notes
E or M to Court Square, or 7 to Hunters Point Avenue — both about 15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan. Admission $10, free with MoMA membership, free first Sunday of each month. The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. M. Wells Steakhouse in the courtyard is worth knowing for a meal before or after visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MoMA PS1?
MoMA PS1 is a contemporary art museum affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art, located in a converted 1890s public school building at 22-25 Jackson Avenue in Long Island City. It specializes in large-scale installations and experimental art that MoMA’s more conservative curatorial approach doesn’t accommodate, and has been presenting significant contemporary art since 1976.
How do I get to MoMA PS1?
Take the E or M train to Court Square or the 7 train to Hunters Point Avenue. From Midtown Manhattan, the trip takes about 15 minutes. The museum is at 22-25 Jackson Avenue, a short walk from either station.
Is MoMA PS1 free?
Admission is $10 (free with MoMA membership). The Warm Up summer concert series in the PS1 courtyard is separately ticketed. The museum is free on the first Sunday of each month.
What is the Warm Up event at MoMA PS1?
Warm Up is a Saturday afternoon music event held in the MoMA PS1 courtyard from July through early September, featuring DJs and live electronic music. It has been running since 1997 and is one of the most significant outdoor music events in New York City. Tickets are $20-25 and sell out for popular lineups.
Also see: our Noguchi Museum guide
Also see: our best LIC restaurants guide
