Munson begins transformative $5.5M Museum renovation project
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026
Utica, N.Y. — Munson has begun its transformative $5.5 million renovation project on its landmark 1960 Museum of Art building. The work is funded by Munson For All, Munson’s first-ever capital campaign aimed at expanding community access, capacity, and engagement. Construction, managed by Pike Construction, is split into two phases and expected to be completed in summer 2027.
“Today we break ground on an exciting step toward Munson’s future,” says President Anna D’Ambrosio. “We’ve made significant strides and this project will make the Museum of Art even more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant for all our visitors. These once-in-a-generation renovations are the culmination of a yearslong effort to invest in Munson’s future and to deepen Munson’s role in this community.”
Phase One of the project is the relocation of the Museum Shop from the first level to the ground level near the parking lot entrance. Walls between the former offices will be removed, creating an open, welcoming entrance from the vestibule to the southeast corner of the building and toward the Museum Education Wing. A new glass entryway connecting the former foyer. Phase One also includes ground-level restroom modernizations. The current Museum Shop will remain open until this phase is complete, at which time it will relocate to the new space.
Phase Two will include work on the first level of the Museum. The reimagined Art Odyssey will be built in the footprint of the former Museum Shop, and a new Museum Cafe being created in the current small gallery space. Phase Two will also include upgrades to the Museum of Art’s HVAC and electrical systems, improving both efficiency and performance.
Access will remain open to most gallery spaces, restrooms, and the passenger elevator while construction is underway. Curtain walls will be set up to avoid dust and debris issues for our guests and art collection. Public events will continue, and though matinee screening of films will continue during renovations, schedules are subject to change. Visitors are encouraged to check munson.art or Munson social media for updates.
The Munson For All campaign has so far raised $8.2 million, or 87%, of its $9.5 million goal.
This effort supports these renovations along with a new Community Engagement Fund, designed to facilitate Munson’s efforts to connect more deeply and expansively with the diverse audience of people who live in the Mohawk Valley as well as visitors from outside the area.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for the enthusiastic support of our Members and all who have generously donated toward the Munson For All campaign,” says Munson Director of Development John Murphy. “While we’re starting our physical renovations, reaching our goal will also help us build on our commitment to inspire and enrich the Central New York community for generations to come. Please consider a gift today and be a part of this exciting evolution.”
For more information about Munson For All or to support Munson with a donation to the campaign, please visit munson.art/for-all.
For media inquiries, please contact Katie Voce, communications manager, at 315-797-0000 ext. 2147 or via email at kvoce@munson.art.
