Imagine a kaleidoscope of Himalayan art swirling around you. This is the essence of the Rubin Museum of Art. It stands here on West 17th Street in Chelsea.
The Rubin Museum is not just a building. It is a journey through the art and cultures of the Himalayas. This includes the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia. The Rubin Museum focuses especially on Tibetan art.
Donald and Shelley Rubin started collecting Himalayan art in 1974. They wanted to share their collection. In 1998 the Rubins bought the old Barneys New York building for 22 million dollars. Preservation architects Beyer Blinder Belle remodeled it into a museum. The original six-story spiral staircase remained a focal point. It became the center of the exhibition space.
The Rubin Museum opened on October 2 2004. It displayed paintings sculptures textiles and ritual objects. These items spanned from the 2nd to the 20th centuries. Celia Imrey and Tim Culbert conceived the galleries with a Tibetan art influence. Graphic designer Milton Glaser created the museum’s graphic identity.
The Rubin’s 70000-square-foot location once housed Barneys New York. Donald Rubin saw a for sale sign and envisioned a museum. He walked down the spiraling staircase and knew it was perfect. The building retained its character. Andree Putman’s steel-and-marble staircase spirals dramatically.
The entrance renovation was significant. Architects created a three-story mandala-shaped entrance. This symbolized a gateway to Himalayan art. The Rubin Museum’s facade represents a gateway to Himalayan art.
Many temples have 108 steps. So does the Rubin’s spiral staircase. The number 108 is sacred in Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhist malas have 108 beads. Zen Buddhist priests wear juzu rings of 108 beads. Some believe there are 108 feelings.
The Rubin Museum faced financial challenges. There were budget cuts in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted the museum. The Rubin Museum closed its physical location on October 6 2024. But the Rubin Museum continues as a global museum. It loans pieces and supports Himalayan art research.
The Rubin Museum’s inaugural exhibitions included “Methods of Transcendence” and “The Demonic Divine in Himalayan Art”. “Holy Madness” spotlighted Siddhas in 2006. The Rubin Museum hosted exhibitions exploring art spirituality and cultural heritage. Living Shrines of Uyghur China displayed sacred sites.
In 2011 the Rubins gave a 25 million dollar gift. This supported operations exhibitions and programs. In September 2021 the Rubin Museum opened Mandala Lab. It is a permanent installation for emotional health.
The Rubin Museum offered public programming. These programs included lectures film screenings and musical performances. The Brainwave series paired scientists with guests. Free programs included K2 Friday Nights and Family Sundays.
The Rubin Museum’s collection includes nearly 4000 objects. These works span 1500 years. Included are works from the Tibetan Plateau and culturally related areas. The Rubin presented over 145 exhibitions. The Rubin Museum expanded beyond its walls. It supported the Itumbaha Museum in Kathmandu Nepal.
The Rubin Museum’s legacy is its deep engagement with Himalayan art. It made the spiritual accessible. Though the physical space closed its mission lives on. The Rubin Museum continues to share art with more people in more places.