NEW YORK — The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog will officially open its doors in New York City on Feb. 8 at its new location near Grand Central Station. The museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of canine fine art.
The museum will be housed at the Kalikow Building at 101 Park Ave. in Midtown Manhattan, along with the AKC’s NY Headquarters. Founded in 1982, it was originally housed in The New York Life Building located at 51 Madison Ave. as part of the AKC Headquarters. In 1987, it was moved to West St. Louis County, MO. That location closed in September.
The newly designed space will house art from well-known dog artists such as Sir Edwin Landseer, Maud Earl and Arthur Wardle. It also has a two-story glass vitrine that encases rare porcelains and bronzes, in addition to a library where users can learn about their favorite breeds. The museum’s first exhibition will be called “For the Love of All Things Dog” and combine select works from the AKC’s own collection and that of the museum.
Throughout the museum, visitors will experience exhibits that bridge the digital and physical elements of the museum and bring new life to the collection. Spanning two floors with a double height atrium space at the stair, the gallery includes interactive exhibits such as a “Find Your Match” kiosk that takes your photo, aligning its likeness with an AKC-registered dog breed. Additionally, there is a “Meet the Breeds” touchscreen table that allows visitors to explore breeds’ features, traits, history and representations in the collection. There are several other digital experiences that bring audiences into the history of the museum and its mission.
“It is exciting to bring this collection back to New York City,” said Alan Fausel, executive director, AKC Museum of the Dog. “This Museum is a beautiful ode to man’s best friend and we are thrilled to bring these pieces and exhibitions to new audiences.”
The museum will also have an app where children can interact with the exhibits with “Arty,” a virtual dog/tour guide.