UTICA, N.Y. – Munson announces a $1 million grant award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support upgrades to the historic Museum of Art. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $86 million to 134 capital projects across New York State. At Munson, improvements will include a new Art Odyssey interactive family gallery, an expanded Museum Shop, and improved visitor amenities, as well as other accessibility updates already underway. Munson is excited to play a role in Utica’s continued development, seizing the moment with a transformative vision for its Museum of Art.
“We are extremely grateful for this award, the largest in Munson’s 100-year history. It will help enable dynamic interior updates to the Museum, enhancing community access and attracting audiences from across New York and beyond,” said Munson President and CEO Anna D’Ambrosio. “Projects of this scale wouldn’t be possible without support from New York State and our community. These improvements will help us strengthen tourism, drive economic growth, and enrich educational experiences in Central New York.”
Built in 1960 and designed by architect Philip Johnson, the Museum of Art is both a state and federal historical landmark. The building houses Munson’s internationally acclaimed art collection, provides educational programming for thousands of regional youth, and serves as a venue for community events and performing arts concerts.
This $1 million NYSCA grant represents a significant commitment from New York State, supporting a renovation designed to ensure that Munson remains a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come. Munson is actively pursuing additional support from public and private sources to supplement this renovation plan. Munson is refining its renovation strategy, with more comprehensive details about the project’s scope to be announced in the coming months. Work is planned to commence in 2026.
F.X. Matt III, chair of the Board of Trustees, observed, “With support from NYSCA and contributions from the community, Munson will update essential building systems and program areas, maintaining the Museum’s architectural beauty while improving accessibility.”
“Our popular educational space, Art Odyssey, will move upstairs to the main floor with new interactive experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy,” explained Stephen Harrison, Museum of Art director and chief curator. “A visit to the Art Museum should not only be meaningful but also fun!”
About Munson: Munson is an internationally recognized fine arts organization in Utica, serving diverse audiences through the renowned Munson Museum of Art, live performances and events, community arts classes, and Pratt Munson College of Art and Design, the upstate extension campus of the prestigious Pratt Institute. For more information, visit munson.art.
About the New York State Council on the Arts: The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
