Arup played a central engineering role in the New Museum expansion in New York City, delivering structural and building systems engineering for the new OMA-designed building that opened to the public on March 21, 2026.
The 60,000-square-foot expansion significantly enlarges the museum’s footprint, creating an integrated extension to the existing flagship building originally designed by SANAA.
Collaboration between leading global architecture firms
The project was designed by OMA under the leadership of architects Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, with Corgan serving as executive architect.
Working closely with the architectural team, Arup provided:
- Structural engineering
- Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering
- Fire protection systems engineering
The integrated engineering approach helped create a seamless architectural connection between the new structure and the existing museum building.
Expanded gallery space and visitor experience
As the only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art in Manhattan, the expanded New Museum now offers a significantly enhanced visitor experience.
Key improvements include:
- Doubled gallery space for exhibitions
- Multiple purpose-built art and event spaces
- Improved vertical circulation through a central atrium staircase
The new design creates a dynamic environment where art, visitors and the surrounding city interact more fluidly.
Advanced engineering solutions
To maximize gallery width on the tight urban site, Arup designed the building’s MEP systems so that ducts and service infrastructure are concealed within the south wall structure.
This solution allowed engineers to:
- Maintain a clean ceiling layout
- Increase gallery height
- Preserve wide exhibition spaces close to the full building width
The approach also built upon Arup’s previous engineering work on the original museum structure.
Complex truss and staircase design
One of the most distinctive features of the expansion is a geometrically complex staircase that wraps behind the building’s sloping façade.
Engineers developed a sophisticated truss system that simultaneously supports:
- The staircase structure
- The sloped exterior façade
- Vertical circulation pathways across multiple levels
The design also incorporates carefully integrated sprinkler systems and hydronic heating elements to ensure safety and comfort.
Innovative fire protection design
For fire safety, Arup introduced an innovative system that allows smoke and heat to accumulate in hidden cavities behind perforated ceilings.
This strategy maintains the visual continuity of the staircase while ensuring compliance with building safety regulations.
Landmark addition to Manhattan’s cultural landscape
With the completion of the New Museum expansion in New York, the institution now offers a larger platform for contemporary art exhibitions and public programming.
The project demonstrates how architecture, engineering and building systems integration can deliver complex cultural spaces within dense urban environments while maintaining strong architectural identity.
