Aperture's New Home: Art, Books & Conversation

Aperture, a nonprofit foundation established in 1952 dedicated to publishing and promoting photography, has opened its new headquarters on the Upper West Side. Situated at 380 Columbus Avenue, directly across from the American Museum of Natural History, this street-level location aims to enhance civic engagement and advance the organization's founding mission.

The 10,000-square-foot space, acquired in 2022 for $8.95 million, was renovated by Levenbetts architecture firm. The design embraces a style of "manicured decay," intentionally leaving elements like tile patches and exposed steel visible to create an informal, non-intimidating atmosphere, differentiating it from commercial galleries or museums.

Approximately one-fifth of the space is accessible to the public free of charge from Wednesday through Sunday. This area includes a shop selling Aperture's publications and books from Dashwood, alongside a gallery showcasing exhibitions. The inaugural show, "Aperture Loves New York," presents images of the city by 24 photographers published by Aperture, featuring both renowned and emerging artists.

The gallery will also host talks for an audience of about 45, with tickets priced nominally at $5. The first event, a sold-out discussion on October 3rd between photographer Stephen Shore and MoMA curator Lucy Gallun, highlights the engagement the new space aims to foster. Aperture is currently undertaking a $25 million capital campaign, having raised approximately 70 percent of its goal to finance renovations and secure an operating reserve.