​​​BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, known for years as the Albright Knox Art Gallery, will re-open in May.

The museum has been closed for nearly two years as it undergoes a $230 million improvement project.

"This historic milestone would not have been possible without the efforts of an incredible staff team and the support of thousands of individuals who believe in the mission of the Buffalo AKG," said Janne Sirén, Peggy Pierce Elfvin director. "Jeffrey Gundlach’s unprecedented generosity was the jet fuel that rocketed this campaign forward, and the incredible support of Governor Hochul and New York State carried us across the finish line. Our new campus enables us to create world-class museum experiences for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. Words cannot describe how excited we are to welcome the world to the Buffalo AKG on May 25, 2023, a pivotal moment in the history of our city and region."

The re-opening date is now set as May 25.

"As one of the oldest public art institutions in the country, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum expansion is a transformative project that will provide a significant boost to Buffalo’s future," said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “This project will add new life and vitality to this historic and great institution, and is a continuation of the ongoing revitalization of Western New York."

The project has been driven by the largest capital campaign for a cultural institution in Western New York history.

"The vision for this project is to create a museum that can serve as a platform for human expression and a cultural resource for everyone in our community,” said Board President Alice Jacobs. "The leadership of the Buffalo AKG is constantly evaluating the role of the museum in today’s rapidly changing world and how best to contribute and partner with others for the public good. Jeffrey Gundlach’s matching challenges stipulated that this project needed to be supported by private individuals and corporations as well as the public sector. Our partners at every level of government rose to the occasion. From Governor Hochul and her administration to Representative Brian Higgins, State Senator Sean Ryan, State Senator Tim Kennedy, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and the Erie County Legislature, and City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, a wide array of elected officials have demonstrated this truly shared vision for the Buffalo AKG as a museum for all of the communities of Western New York."

The museum will house exhibits, five studio classrooms, and three new entrances.