We are elated to announce a plan to relocate to a new, purpose-built building in the heart of downtown Allentown, marking a historic milestone in our mission to expand access to the arts and serve as a cultural anchor for the Lehigh Valley. This transformative project will create a free, world-class cultural destination, and enable the Museum to continue its momentum of serving larger audiences of visitors, students, and artists.
The project is made possible by the approval of a purchase of a parcel of land from the Allentown Parking Authority on Wednesday, April 23. The new Museum will be at the intersection of Tenth and Hamilton streets—strategically positioned as a link between Allentown’s commercial, entertainment, and residential areas. The site will extend the city’s arts corridor, connecting cultural, entertainment, and dining spaces, and driving increased foot traffic to surrounding businesses, while the Museum itself will become a tourism destination for its art and architecture.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the Allentown Art Museum as a vibrant cultural hub,” says AAM president and CEO, Dr. Max Weintraub. “By relocating to Tenth and Hamilton, we are not only expanding access to the arts but also contributing to the revitalization of downtown Allentown and creating a legacy for future generations. Our visitation, programming, and collection are each thriving, and we have outgrown our current building’s ability to withstand our logistical and spatial needs. I’m extremely grateful that our Board and the city have the vision to take on this exciting opportunity.” The new AAM will include expanded exhibition and art storage, to showcase and protect the Museum’s collection of 20,000-plus objects; and multiple education, event, and community gathering areas.
“This moment reflects years of thoughtful planning by the Board, the leadership of Dr. Max Weintraub, and an extraordinary team dedicated to growing the Museum’s impact,” says Michelle Stringer, chair of the Board. “This relocation reinforces our values, including our commitment to free admission for all. We are grateful to the Allentown Parking Authority and civic leaders, including Mayor Tuerk, for helping make this bold next chapter for the AAM possible.”
“Allentown is the beating heart of the Lehigh Valley, and our arts institutions are our soul,” said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. “The Allentown Art Museum’s investment in Downtown West will add to the vitality of Hamilton Street, enhance our growing cultural economy, and shape the identity of our dynamic city. This is truly a gift to our community.”
“The Allentown Art Museum is a tremendous asset for culture and the arts in downtown Allentown,” said State Senator Nick Miller. “However, limited space and aging infrastructure have held back their ability to grow. Their planned move to 10th and Hamilton marks an exciting new chapter. The transition also continues the city’s progress towards building a new, modern police station, demonstrating how strategic planning can strengthen both public safety and cultural vitality. The new space will allow for expanded exhibitions, increased community engagement, and stronger connections between the city’s cultural assets. I am proud to support this vision for the future of the Allentown Art Museum, and I look forward to seeing all that’s to come at Tenth and Hamilton.”
AAM has spent several years studying this project, including exploring a third renovation of its current site—which was originally constructed as a church. Ultimately, feasibility studies confirmed that designing and building a new, purpose-built museum is not only more cost-effective than renovation, but also better aligned with the Museum’s mission and long-term vision. Within only a slightly larger footprint than the current building, the new facility will be transformative, featuring expanded galleries, art storage, and education spaces that build on the Museum’s successful programs—including Discover Art for Allentown School District students, ArtVentures for families, and Art Can for adults with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The new building will also support a significantly expanded suite of programs, deepening AAM’s role as a center for lifelong learning, creativity, and community engagement.