Studio Museum in Harlem - Collection - New York

The Studio Museum in Harlem’s permanent collection is one of the most significant repositories of art by Black artists and artists of African descent worldwide. Representing more than 800 artists, the collection spans over 200 years of history and includes nearly 9,000 works of art across a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, watercolor, photography, video, and mixed-media installations.

The collection reflects the growth and mission of the institution itself, documenting artistic practices, cultural movements, and critical conversations that have shaped Black artistic production across generations. From historical works to contemporary practices, it offers a powerful record of creativity, resilience, and innovation.

The Studio Museum is currently in the early stages of a long-term initiative to make its permanent collection accessible online, opening new possibilities for research, engagement, and global access. This digital expansion marks a new era in how the collection can be explored, studied, and experienced beyond the museum’s physical space.

As part of this effort, the web-based thematic series Collection in Context presents fresh curatorial perspectives on selected works from the collection. Developed by members of the Museum’s curatorial department, the series explores recurring themes and connections across diverse artworks, offering new ways to understand and engage with Black artistic production in historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts. Go to Website

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