Motorists on Broad Avenue and others downtown are getting glimpses of the future of the Albany Museum of Art in downtown Albany. In early December, fencing surrounding the building now displays renderings of what the new museum will look like.

“This is a visible declaration of commitment,” AMA Executive Director Andrew James Wulf, Ph.D., said. “The signage transforms the construction site into a public promise, offering a glimpse of what is to come. As traffic along Broad Avenue increases, these images place the museum’s future directly in view—signaling that the Albany Museum of Art’s relocation downtown is not aspirational, but actively unfolding.”

Made possible by a donation from AMA Capital Campaign members Mark and Marsha Taylor, the 400 feet of signage displays images of exterior and interior scenes that will come to life when the new Albany  Museum of Art opens.

 The AMA signage and the construction underway on the renovation of the Davis Exchange Building across the street are exciting indications of a revitalized downtown area, he said.
The renovation of the Belk building will double the usable space for exhibitions, programs, events, offices, and collections storage at the museum’s present location at 311 Meadowlark Drive. AMA officials plan to break ground on the downtown project in late spring. Construction is expected to take 20-24 months, with the targeted opening of the new museum in the spring of 2028.

First, however, the AMA will name a general contractor to oversee the work. On Dec 19, the short list of candidates—JCI General Contractors, Inc.; LRA Constructors, Inc., and Pellacano Construction, Inc.—submitted their bids to serve as general contractor. AMA officials hope to name a contractor in early January.

“The general contractor will work with project contractors and will communicate directly with our owner’s representative, Aaron & Clements, Inc., of Columbus, Georgia,” Wulf said. “We hired the firm in early December to represent us through all aspects of the project delivery process.”

Founded in 1992, Aaron & Clements has served clients on hundreds of projects in a wide variety of commercial and residential markets, including traditional corporate, museum, healthcare, skilled nursing, religious, educational, office, hospitality, civil, multi-family, specialty non-profit, and financial.

“Aaron & Clements brings exactly the kind of experienced leadership we need at this moment,” Wulf said. “They will serve as an essential partner to the museum, our architects, and our future contractor as we translate years of vision and fundraising into a new civic landmark for downtown Albany.”

While the future is exciting, the Albany Museum of Art continues to provide world-class art exhibitions and robust programming at its home of 42 years. Fall exhibitions continue through Jan 3, and three new art exhibitions will open Jan 22. Winter holiday art camps for students conclude Dec 30, and a full slate of programming for all ages from toddlers to adults starts back with the dawning of 2026.

“We see 2026 as a turning point for the Albany Museum of Art,” Wulf said. “At the same time, we remain fully committed to serving our community in the present—delivering compelling exhibitions and meaningful programs, even as we build toward the future.”