The Studio Museum in Harlem, designed by Adjaye Associates, was evacuated today because of a “sprinkler emergency” in its gift shop. A spokesperson confirmed that the museum, which opened two months ago, will remain shut through the weekend.
An anonymous visitor informed Hyperallergic that museum staff asked people to leave when water started pouring from the ceiling near the gift shop this afternoon, January 23. “We saw a large pool of water on the floor near the entrance, and saw the water flowing down in the store,” the visitor reported.
A spokesperson for the museum indicated that a sprinkler was accidentally damaged during preparations for an upcoming storm and cold front, resulting in flooding. Fortunately, no artworks or galleries suffered any damage.
“Given the impact on the building’s entrance and the forecasted storm, the Museum will remain closed for the weekend,” the spokesperson stated. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded to the call at 2:30 pm and resolved the issue by 3 pm, with no injuries reported.
Videos from bystanders captured water streaming from the ceiling, even through light fixtures. “I hope nothing is damaging the artwork,” one individual is heard saying. The museum, which reopened on November 15 after seven years and a $160 million construction by Adjaye Associates and Cooper Robertson, was not damaged. Adjaye stepped back from the project following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied.
