Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
“As a city that encourages arts and celebrates culture, I am proud that we are moving forward with our plans to create a new museum that will complement our city’s dynamic communities, and will help to bring new energy into Journal Square,” said Mayor Steven M. Fulop of Jersey City.
Led by Jason Long of Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), a new museum and cultural center has been designed for a unique international cultural partnership between France’s Centre Pompidou and New Jersey will bring about the Centre Pompidou × Jersey City project.
Jersey City will transform a gutted industrial building into a satellite museum in the heart of a transportation hub for thousands of commuters that is not far from where Lady Liberty stands in New York Harbor.
The museum at the historic Pathside Building in Jersey City‘s Journal Square is designed as 58,000 squarefoot structure at 25 Sip Avenue and will restore the existing landmark designed in 1912 as part of a trolley compound for Public Service, the property was previously used by Hudson County Community College.
The 5four-story, red-brick building, originally offices for the Public Service Electric and Gas Company, will offer generous floor-to-ceiling heights and ample access to daylight for its future transformation.
While the French would provide the art and expertise, Jersey City would provide the cash.
The city would pay up to $6 million phased in over the cost of the five-year contract for the Pompidou’s exhibitions, projects and educational programming, Mayor Steven Fulop said. In addition, the city would have to cover the estimated $30 million it would cost to renovate the Pathside Building.
“Historically, Journal Square was not only a transportation hub but also a cultural center,” said Long.
“At a time where museums are increasingly serving as dynamic spaces that engage both local communities and global audiences, we are looking forward to working with the Mayor to transform the Pathside Building into a catalyst for Jersey City’s cultural and civic renaissance.”
The Pompidou opened an outpost in Málaga, Spain, in 2015 and expanded to Brussels three years later. 2019 saw the opening of their Shanghai location and the museum has announced that they expect their Centre Pompidou x Jersey City endeavor to open during 2024.
Project: Centre Pompidou × Jersey City project
Architects: Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA)
Client: City the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency
