Johnson Marklee Tapped to Design New Swiss Institute Flagship in Manhattan

TITLE: Johnson Marklee Tapped to Design New Swiss Institute Flagship in Manhattan
SLUG: johnson-marklee-swiss-institute-manhattan-flagship
EXCERPT: The Swiss Institute (SI) has acquired a new, larger space at 250 Bowery and commissioned Johnson Marklee to undertake its renovation, marking a significant expansion and a new chapter for the nonprofit arts organization.
CATEGORY: Architecture News
TAGS: Johnson Marklee, Swiss Institute, Manhattan, Architecture, Design, Non-profit Arts
SEO_TITLE: Johnson Marklee to Design New Swiss Institute Flagship on Manhattan’s Bowery
SEO_DESCRIPTION: The Swiss Institute is relocating to a new flagship space at 250 Bowery, with Johnson Marklee commissioned for the renovation, aiming for a sustainable and adaptable design.
MEDIA_QUERY: Johnson Marklee architectural renderings, Swiss Institute 250 Bowery
IMAGE_ALT: Rendering of the future Swiss Institute flagship space designed by Johnson Marklee.

Johnson Marklee has been selected to design the new flagship location for the Swiss Institute (SI) in Manhattan. The nonprofit arts organization has acquired the ground floor and lower level of 250 Bowery, a move that will provide a significantly larger and more prominent space for its exhibitions, programs, and operations. This acquisition also coincides with SI’s 40th anniversary, signaling a new era for the institution.

The current SI space, located at 38 St. Mark’s Place and previously a bank adapted by Selldorf Architects, spans 7,000 square feet across four stories. The new Bowery location offers 11,000 square feet, allowing for expanded capacity to host a diverse range of programming in visual and performing arts, design, and architecture.

“Owning our own space for the first time in the institution’s impressive history allows us to secure the foundation for an even more generative future grounded in experimentation and support of artists,” stated Swiss Institute director Stefanie Hessler. This ownership secures SI’s long-term stability and potential for growth.

Sustainable Design Principles

Johnson Marklee’s design approach for 250 Bowery emphasizes flexibility, modularity, and sustainability. The renovation plans include creative reuse of existing mechanical systems and furnishings. The project will also incorporate reclaimed materials, energy-efficient lighting, and reusable exhibition infrastructure, aiming to transform the building into a “living ecosystem.”

The firm’s principals, Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee, expressed their admiration for SI’s experimental, global, and rigorous yet generous approach to supporting artists and ideas. They envision the new Bowery space as a “laboratory dedicated to artistic presentations, education, and community engagement,” while maintaining the intimacy that has defined SI.

Enhanced Public Presence

A key element of the renovation will be redesigning the street-facing facade at 250 Bowery to increase visibility into the space and create a more accessible public presence on the bustling Bowery. This strategic location places SI in proximity to other significant cultural institutions, including the New Museum, which recently underwent an expansion designed by OMA.

Construction is slated to begin this fall, with the new Swiss Institute flagship at 250 Bowery expected to open to the public in spring 2027.

Key facts

This development is significant for Paionia7 readers as it highlights the intersection of architecture, urban development, and cultural institutions in a prime Manhattan location. The involvement of a respected architectural firm like Johnson Marklee, coupled with SI’s commitment to sustainability and flexible design, offers insights into the evolving landscape of arts venues and their integration into the urban fabric.

Source: The Architect’s Newspaper, https://www.archpaper.com/2026/06/johnson-marklee-swiss-institute-manhattan/