The Allentown Art Museum has announced plans to relocate to a new, state-of-the-art facility at the corner of 10th and Hamilton Streets. The move, revealed on April 23, 2025, is a significant step towards revitalizing downtown Allentown and reinforcing the museum’s role as a central cultural hub. The new property, currently owned by the parking authority, received unanimous initial approval for the sale, with the final agreement still subject to negotiation.
The museum secured the site with a winning bid of $1.4 million. Max Weintraub, the museum’s President and CEO, stated, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the Allentown Art Museum as a vibrant cultural center.”
The new facility will feature expanded exhibition spaces, enhanced art storage, and multiple areas for education, events, and community gatherings. The timeline for building the new museum and moving its collection of over 20,000 objects remains undetermined.
Museum to relocate downtown
The move comes after years of consideration and feasibility studies, which found that building a new, purpose-built museum is more cost-effective and better aligned with the museum’s mission than renovating the current location at 31 N. Fifth St.
Michelle Stringer, the Chairwoman of the Board of the Allentown Art Museum, expressed gratitude to the parking authority and city leadership for facilitating this next chapter. The museum remains committed to free admission for all in its new location. Mayor Matthew Tuerk commented, “This is a huge win for downtown Allentown.
Tenth and Hamilton is set to become the premier destination for vibrant arts in our region, building on the momentum of downtown revitalization.”
State lawmakers also praised the move, highlighting the limitations of the current facility and the potential of the new location to foster growth and contribute to the success of recent developments in the area. As the museum embarks on this transformative journey, it promises to preserve its core values while embracing opportunities for greater impact and accessibility in the community.
