Half Dose #105: Salon 94 Bowery

Salon 94 Bowery

Behind this unassuming facade two doors up from the New Museum of Contemporary on the Bowery is the Salon 94 Gallery. While I don't see mention of the project on their website, the gallery is designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, according to a helpful gent at the New Museum and the NYC BIS.

Salon 94 Bowery

Upon entering, one can walk left to a small desk area or descend a straight-run stair to the cellar. Two linear pieces prevail in the stairwell: a steel beam running from the front door to the double-height gallery space, and a handrail cut into the drywall.

Salon 94 Bowery

The handrail is a non-detail, minimalism taken to an extreme.

Salon 94 Bowery

The white-cube gallery is predictably sparse, all drywall and concrete, minus the fluorescent lighting, the skylight along the back wall, and the steel beam jutting into the space. When looking back towards the stair (below), the rusty steel beam is at its most aggressive. It offers promise for large-scale artwork to be carried along its length to the tall gallery space.

Salon 94 Bowery

Comments

  1. Amazing photos. I really appreciate sharing your Gallery with us. Wish you best of luck.

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  2. Simple and elegant design. The skylight along the back wall is an interesting touch.

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  3. the handrail doesn't appear to comply with building code.
    is there another way out of the space?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, there is an exit stair behind a door flush with the drywall. It's just out of frame on the right side of the last photo.

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  4. Breathtakingly beautiful--the crystalline clarity of purpose of every visual, structural, functional element and the perfect integration of everything.

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