Animal-lovers in New York – specifically dog-lovers – should brace themselves for an absolute treat when the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog opens its doors on Friday, 8 February at Park Avenue, just steps away from Grand Central Station. The family-friendly museum is full of dog-themed wonders, interactive digital experiences and houses one of the world’s largest collections of canine fine art.
Museum of the Dog has returned to New York. Image by Getty
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Museum of Dogs returns to Manhattan after an absence of more than 30 years. Located in Midtown, the newly-designed space will house several hundred paintings, drawings, watercolours, prints, sculptures, bronzes, and porcelain figurines, a variety of decorative arts objects and interactive displays depicting man’s best friend throughout the ages.
It will also house art from famous dog artists such as Sir Edwin Landseer, Maud Earl, Arthur Wardle and many more. A two-story glass vitrine encases rare porcelains and bronzes and there’s a library where users can learn about their favourite breeds. The museum’s first exhibition will be entitled “For the Love of All Things Dog” and combines select works from the AKC’s own collection and that of the museum.
The family-friend museum is dedicated to all things canine. Image by David Woo / American Kennel Club
Spanning two floors, the gallery includes interactive exhibits such as a “Find Your Match” kiosk that takes visitors’ photos, aligning its likeness with an AKC-registered dog breed. Additionally, there is a “Meet the Breeds” touchscreen table that allows visitors to explore breeds’ features, traits, history and representations in the collection. Children can even interact with the exhibits with “Arty” – a virtual dog/tour app – throughout the museum.
The museum’s first exhibition will be entitled “For the Love of All Things Dog”. Image by David Woo / American Kennel Club
“It is exciting to bring this collection back to New York City,” says Alan Fausel, executive director, AKC Museum of the Dog. “This museum is a beautiful ode to man’s best friend and we are thrilled to bring these pieces and exhibitions to new audiences.”
The AKC Museum of the Dog, founded in 1982, was originally housed in The New York Life Building located at Madison Avenue as part of the AKC headquarters. In 1987, the museum was moved to Louis County, Missouri. The new Museum will be housed at the Kalikow Building at 101 Park Avenue. For more information, see here.
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