BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Even though the Albright Knox Art Gallery will be closed for the next two to three years, art lovers can still take in some of the unique exhibits they're accustomed to at the art gallery.
Beginning Friday, the temporary location of the Albright Knox Art Gallery will be opened on Northland Avenue. It will be the first day that art fans can enjoy "Open House: Domestic Thresholds" exhibit.
"You can climb the roof," Ott said. "For many people, it's the first time they've been on a roof top. You can go into the attic space and see the construction in a way you have never seen before...The rooftop acts as a prompt for other local artists. So, Heather Hart has invited performers of color to activate the space."
Naila Ansari, Mani Mehrvarz, Maryam Muliaee, and Curtis Lovell will all perform on the space beginning at 5 p.m. Friday. Inside the attic of the home, there's also an interactive sound feature for kids.
All of the exhibits at the Northland site "pay what you wish" cost.
"I think people have paid attention for Heather Hart for good reason because it anchors the exhibition," Ott said. "I'm particularly excited for the way in which it involves other artists and producers. Edra Soto's work has interactive components so there's workshop opportunities for people to participate in...(Rodney Taylor's) was a local artist of great talent and great renown. He passed away on December 9 of last year. This is a posthumous showing of his artwork. It was a big loss to the community."
The main art gallery on Elmwood Avenue is currently closed while it undergoes a massive $160 million expansion and renovation called AK360. The expansions include a building on the north end which will include 30,000 square feet of space for special exhibitions and art collections. It will have a wraparound promenade that serves as a connection to the nearby landscape. There will also be a new education wing
Three new buildings will be added to the Albright Knox campus on Elmwood Avenue by Buffalo State College. The three new buildings will be named after Gundlach, the Knox Family, and the late M&T Bank President Bob Wilmers.
There will also be underground parking, an Indoor Town Square, and new space for year-round engagement. It's the first expansion of the art gallery since 1962.
Albright Knox Northland will open on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Additional details about hours can be found on their website