516 Arts is Moving
A new home for contemporary art, education, and community in downtown Albuquerque.
516 ARTS is entering a transformative new chapter through a public-private partnership with the City of Albuquerque. Our expanded facility at 508 1st Street NW will create more space for exhibitions, youth education, artist studios, and public programs, strengthening the cultural and creative life of our city.
YEARS IN THE MAKING
For two decades, 516 ARTS has served Albuquerque as the city’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. This expansion represents years of planning, advocacy, and collaboration, and is made possible through more than $5.2 million in secured state capital outlay funding, a partnership with the City of Albuquerque, and critical support from our donors and members.
The new facility will significantly increase our capacity to serve artists, students, and the public through expanded exhibitions, education programs, and community engagement. As this project moves forward, community voices remain central. We are actively gathering input from artists, educators, cultural workers, and neighbors to ensure this space reflects shared needs and aspirations.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
516 ARTS is moving from its current 5,300 square foot building at 516 Central SW into a renovated 16,000 square foot facility at the corner of 1st Street and Marquette, adjacent to the future Rail Trail and neighboring cultural institutions, like FUSION.
The new location will support a robust exhibition program, eight artist studios and collaborative workspaces, youth education and family-friendly learning zones, and performances, talks, readings, and community gatherings.
Renovation is underway, with a projected move-in timeline of mid-2026. This expansion is not just about square footage, but about creating a welcoming, flexible, and accessible civic space where art, education, and community converge.
Even as we expand, 516 ARTS remains fully committed to our ensuring the 516 Central Avenue location will continue to serve as arts and culture space.
“Together, we’re building more than a building. We’re creating a vibrant hub where art, education, and community strengthen Albuquerque’s cultural landscape for generations to come.”
— April Chalay, Executive Director