First Look at Chinatown's Upcoming Museum Expansion

Renderings have been revealed by the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) for a large expansion and renovation effort at 215 Centre Street in Chinatown. Currently rented by MOCA, the 12,000 square foot facility will be purchased and enlarged to create a 68,000 square-foot headquarters. Coming as a major upgrade for the organization, the new development will showcase Chinese-American culture to the masses for decades to come.

The museum plans to temporarily close at the end of 2023 so construction can begin. World-renowned exhibit planner, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), is leading the experiential design efforts, which will result in a diverse array of immersive experiences throughout the new facility.

The building will contain plenty of exhibition space and classroom areas, as well as a presentation theater, a demonstration kitchen, a spot to grab a bite, and a couple of outdoor roof terraces. Space will also be included for the museum's research and genealogy center, thus bringing all of MOCA's operations under one roof.

Working closely with RAA, Maya Lin of Maya Lin Studio is the architect, tasked with designing the expanded structure. Lin has expressed her role in the project as being personally significant, stating, “As a child of Chinese immigrants, I’ve been drawn to MOCA and its critical mission for years, and am incredibly moved to be able to present our design for its new headquarters—a place that will welcome, teach, and inspire visitors from around the world.”

The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs has pledged $40 million in order to aid MOCA's $50 million acquisition of the existing building. With the transformation estimated to cost an additional $68 million, the entire project is expected to total $118 million. If all goes according to plan, construction should finish sometime in 2025.

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