The Studio Museum in Harlem has announced a temporary closure lasting until Saturday, February 7, following a ‘sprinkler emergency’ that necessitated the evacuation of visitors last Friday afternoon. The incident, which affected the museum’s gift shop, led to the cancellation of all scheduled programs and events, with refunds issued to those who had pre-purchased tickets. The museum communicated these updates through an email notice earlier today.
Witnesses reported seeing water cascading from the ceiling and pooling on the gift shop floor, a situation that prompted staff to swiftly direct visitors to exit the premises. This unforeseen event occurred as the museum was gearing up for a weekend snowstorm and cold front, during which a sprinkler near the entrance malfunctioned. The museum, having reopened last November after a seven-year hiatus for construction, faced this challenge shortly after its new building’s debut.
An individual present during the incident, who spoke to Hyperallergic under anonymity, described observing a substantial accumulation of water near the entrance and the flow of water within the store. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed to Hyperallergic that they responded to the emergency call at 2:30 pm on Friday, with no injuries reported. A Studio Museum representative assured that no artworks or galleries were affected by the water damage.
Hyperallergic is seeking further information from the museum regarding the extent and specifics of the repair work necessary to address the damage caused by the water. The museum remains committed to resolving the issue promptly to ensure the safety and enjoyment of future visitors.
