The National Museum of Mathematics, known as MoMath, elevates its profile with a prominent new location in New York City at 6th Avenue and West 19th Street. As the leading cultural institution dedicated to the wonders of mathematics and their many connections to the world around us, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits, programming, and event spaces for visitors of all ages.
The design transforms two historic buildings, which originally housed a high-end department store, into a vibrant hub for learning within the Ladies’ Mile Historic District. Its exterior contributes to the city’s daily rhythm: by day, MoMath’s glazed storefronts reveal interactive exhibits, drawing in passersby; by night, its facades glow, reinforcing the museum’s mission as a beacon of curiosity and discovery.
Working closely with the museum and its collaborators, the project team embedded mathematical elements within the architecture and interiors, providing opportunities for pedagogical engagement and a cohesive mesh uniting more than 70 exhibits.
One highlight is the new spiral stair connecting MoMath’s two public levels. Functioning simultaneously as a circulation element and a viewing platform for the museum’s iconic String Product exhibit, the stair translates mathematical logic into built form and demonstrates how applied mathematics and computational design drive architectural invention. The steel, glass, and terrazzo stair elevates a transitional moment into a spatial experience.
The ground-level Central Gallery functions as the main exhibit area during opening hours and a flexible event space after hours. The gallery features the interactive Math Square floor, and it holds several moveable exhibits that can be relocated when space is needed for other uses such as lectures and workshops. On the second floor, exhibits are complemented by a special collections gallery for temporary exhibitions that features artwork inspired by math. Together, the public levels accommodate up to 550 visitors. The cellar level houses curatorial and administrative spaces.
As the only experiential science center in the city devoted to mathematics, MoMath’s new home emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, especially for schoolchildren and underrepresented communities, reaffirming its role as both a cultural landmark and a vital educational resource.