Photo Studio transforms The Studio Museum in Harlem’s galleries into an active photography studio. Over the course of two weeks, Museum staff will work in view of the public to create high-quality digital photographs of some of the largest works in the Museum’s permanent collection of nearly two thousand works of art. This project is the culmination of a year-long initiative, generously supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to fully digitize and make accessible this unparalleled collection. By capturing images of artworks that have rarely been exhibited or photographed, Photo Studio allows artists, curators, scholars, and the public the opportunity to learn about the Studio Museum’s significant collection first-hand.

Maintaining the Museum’s commitment to the preservation, accessibility, and study of work by artists of African descent, Photo Studio also allows for a rare behind-the-scenes look into the work that occurs at a museum. Staff and visitors alike will have the opportunity to reflect on the depth and breadth of the Museum’s collection. Visitors will have the chance to see art handlers installing work in a variety of media, with rarely seen, large-scale, or technically complex artworks periodically on view in the main gallery.

Throughout the two weeks, Museum staff and educators will be on hand in the galleries to answer any questions about works on view. Please note that photography and video of this exhibition are prohibited.