After two decades in Chelsea, the Rubin Museum of Art will permanently close its doors this Sunday and transition to a touring exhibition model. The museum, which houses art from Tibet, Nepal, and the Himalayan regions, has been a home away from home for many, including long-time docent Nitin Ron, a neonatal doctor. Ron has led tours at the museum for 19 of its 20 years and has a deep connection to the space.
The museum has faced declining attendance and growing deficits, leading to the decision to sell its building and transition to a touring model. The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, one of the museum’s most popular displays, will move to the Brooklyn Museum for a six-year loan starting in June 2025.
Despite the closure, plans are in place to tour the collection and loan out works to other organizations. Docents like Ron have been instrumental in connecting visitors to the art and culture represented at the museum.
As the museum closes, Ron is considering volunteering at other cultural institutions in the city. He reflects on the impact the museum has had on his life and the connections he has made while giving tours.
The Rubin Museum will offer free admission on its final days, with Ron’s last tour scheduled for Friday evening. The museum’s closure marks a loss for New York City, but also opens a new chapter in the museum’s evolution towards a more universal and beautiful future.
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Photo credit gothamist.com