Speaker Heastie, Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris & Queens Elected Officials Announce $8.5 Million in Funding for Queens Museum

Queens, NY – Today, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and other Queens elected officials announced $8.5 million in capital funding from New York State for the Queens Museum. This investment includes funding for the borough’s first children’s museum for arts and culture which will be known as the Suna Children’s Museum at Queens Museum. The project also includes new collection and archives galleries, an accessible auditorium, artist-designed permanent seating, elevator modernization, updated lobby space, and an outdoor Noguchi-inspired artist’s playscape.

“Cultural institutions within our communities, such as the Queens Museum, provide residents with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world rich in art, history, and culture” said Speaker Carl Heastie. “They empower individuals to learn and engage in meaningful experiences, providing access to communities that might not have had such opportunities. Today’s announcement illustrates the legislature's commitment to creating inclusive spaces in our great City. I would like to thank the Queens Assembly delegation, who dedicated their efforts to securing this $8.5 million investment as well as our Senate counterparts who were instrumental in ensuring that this funding successfully crossed the finish line.”

“The Queens Museum has always been part of the cultural identity of our City, and with the state funding we secured, we are building a truly accessible space that enlightens and serves future generations,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I am appreciative of my Senate and Assembly colleagues for working together to secure this funding and making the Queens Museum a place even more New Yorkers will be able to enjoy.”

Since the Queens Museum was founded in 1972, it has been dedicated to presenting high quality arts and educational programming for the people of New York, and particularly the residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse ethnic, cultural, and international community. The Museum provides New Yorkers with a wide range and integrated program of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public events; serving an annual audience of 250,000 individuals of all ages, abilities, linguistic preferences, and socio-economic backgrounds. The new funding from New York State will make the Queens Museum fully accessible and create spaces for creativity and respite for all the people in the borough and the City.

Once completed, Suna Children’s Museum at Queens Museum will encompass over 15,000 square feet, and house classrooms, maker and performance spaces, learning through play areas, and exhibition and community space with access to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The renovations will also feature new collection galleries, dedicated spaces for older adults and an outdoor artist-inspired playscape. These new spaces will enable the Museum to hold new seasonal and cultural celebrations, in-school and after-school activities, art access, and early childhood programs.

The entire Queens Assembly and Senate delegation was a powerful force in bringing this funding to life. Their advocacy for the Queens Museum's expansion came from a deep understanding of its profound positive impact on our community. This unified show of support demonstrates their commitment to enriching cultural and educational opportunities for every single resident of Queens.

“This groundbreaking project will not only enhance accessibility and provide new opportunities for all of our audiences, especially children and families, but will also strengthen our ability to serve a new generation of young artists and lifelong learners. We look forward to opening the doors of the Suna Children's Museum and welcoming visitors to this dynamic and interactive space,” said Sally Tallant, Queens Museum President and Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful to Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris, Speaker Heastie, and our New York State and Queens partners for this transformative investment.”

“As a Queens native, I am beyond proud that this beloved institution will soon be home to a world-class children’s museum thanks to generous support and collaboration with so many visionary partners,” said Paula Kirby, Queens Museum Board Chair. “This major funding commitment from New York State is an investment in the future of Queens’ children and families, ensuring they have access to high-quality arts programming and educational opportunities right here in their own backyard.”

“This crucial investment focuses on our most vital constituency, children, and only serves to enrich the cultural tapestry which is the borough of Queens,” said Assemblymember Sam Berger. “I thank Speaker Heastie and my colleagues in the Queens Delegation for this historic funding.”

“The Queens Museum has long been a cultural anchor for our borough, and this $8.5 million investment will elevate its role as a hub for learning, creativity, and community," said Assemblymember Catalina Cruz. "We led the charge to secure this funding—and are proud to bring Queens its first-ever children’s museum for arts and culture, expanded public spaces, and new outdoor and archival features. I’m deeply grateful to Speaker Heastie and the State Assembly for recognizing the importance of this project and for championing its inclusion in this year’s state budget. This is a win for Queens families and future generations.” 

“As we continue to fight the Trump administration’s attacks against the arts and education and its attempt to quiet dissenting voices, it is ever so critical to reinforce the pillars of our community,” said Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas. “The Queens Museum is a reflection of the diversity within our borough and across New York State. It is an institution we must protect in order to maintain accessibility to art and education. I am so grateful to be a part of today’s celebration and a part of a legislative body that understands the importance of funding local organizations like this one."

Assemblymember Ron Kim, Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development, said, "I am thrilled to stand with my colleagues in announcing this historic investment from the state to transform such an iconic cultural institution. The Queens Museum has a long and storied connection to our past as the world's borough, and this investment will ensure that it can continue to inspire, move, and engage with New Yorkers of all ages for generations to come. I also want to thank Speaker Heastie for his continued leadership in recognizing the contributions and importance of Queens, and in working with us to support the vision of growth and prosperity we all share for our neighborhoods and communities as New Yorkers."

"The Queens Museum is a cornerstone cultural institution of our borough," said Assemblymember Nily Rozic. "This first-ever $8.5 million state investment will ensure the Museum continues to thrive, grow, and expand access to the arts for every Queens resident. I am proud and thankful to stand with Deputy Leader Gianaris, Speaker Heastie and my Queens delegation colleagues in delivering this necessary funding to a space that truly belongs to the people."

"Investing in the arts is a test of our commitment to the future, of how deeply we value learning, dialogue, thriving local economies, and the shared stories that shape us,” said Assemblymember Claire Valdez. “This $8.5 million investment in the Queens Museum will create the borough’s first children’s art museum, ensuring that creativity and culture are accessible to every child and family. It will also fund transformative upgrades that will make the Museum a more dynamic and vital gathering place for generations to come."

“The Queens Museum has been a pinnacle of cultural and educational enrichment for our community. This 8.5 million is more than an investment into the Queens Museum; its an investment in our children, our educators and the future of this borough. I’m proud to support a project that creates a better Queens for tomorrow,” said Assemblymember Clyde Vanel.

“The Queens Museum is a celebration of everything that’s best about our borough and our city: diversity, community, history, art, and education for all. I’m proud to have supported the Queens Museum throughout my career in elected office, and I'm very excited to see expanded programming for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to learn and prosper. This funding will ensure that the Queens Museum continues its great work serving the World's Borough,” said Assemblymember David I. Weprin.

“I’m so proud to join Deputy Leader Gianaris, Speaker Heastie, and my colleagues to announce this incredible investment of $8.5 million in capital funding for the Queens Museum. Queens is the world’s borough, and right now we need the arts more than ever to help us celebrate diverse stories and embrace creativity, not division,” said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez.

State Senator John Liu, whose district includes Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the Queens Museum, stated, “The Queens Museum has long stood as a cornerstone of arts and culture where world-class artists come to create and connect with the community. This historic investment is sure to transform this iconic space from a hidden gem to a New York City treasure that is fully accessible and engaging to all ages. Proud that the state legislature was able to secure this vital funding to help expand and improve the Queens Museum for generations to come.”

“Built 86 years ago, for the 1939 World’s Fair, the Museum once housed the United Nations for ten years, from its inception in 1940 to 1950. While the Queens Museum has ‘something for everyone,’ it will now have a special appeal for children who will have their own collection, much like a library. Today, the Museum serves as a cultural center and a mini-UN once again. I thank Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris and Speaker Carl Heastie for their leadership in securing this grant. The Queens Museum will continue to be a destination for everyone,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.

The project will also create new construction jobs, with priority to local businesses and workers. The project looks to be completed in 2027.