The Italian American Museum, the first institution of its kind in New York, officially opened its doors on October 1 with a trio of exhibitions and presentations of its Ambasciatore Awards to prominent supporters, including New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

The Museum is housed in a new building whose construction began in 2018 shortly after the Museum sold its three adjoining tenements along Grand St. on the corner of Mulberry St. As part of the sale agreement, developers erected an acclaimed 20-unit Italianate condominium designed by Morris Adjmi and a separate four-level structure to house the new Museum at 151 Mulberry St.  

“After several years of construction, it is a great source of satisfaction to be present at the opening of the new Italian American Museum,” said Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in New York. “This place highlights and celebrates not only the rich cultural heritage of Italian Americans in NYC, but also their significant contributions to the history and society of this great nation. I would like to thank the founder and president Dr. Scelsa for his steadfast commitment to this project, the Governor of the State of New York, Kathy Hochul for her support and all those who made this historic moment possible.” 

“This is a great day not only for Italian Americans and Italians, but for all Americans and citizens of the world, who now have a place to witness the monumental achievements of our culture,” said Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, founder and president of the Italian American Museum. “This has been a personal project for more than two decades, and it to see it come to fruition is a most satisfying experience.” 

Following a benediction by Ret. Msgr. Hilary Franco, Ambaiscitore Awards were presented to the Governor, Jerry Nadler, US Representative, CD12, Manhattan; Michael Benedetto, NYS Assemblyman, Bronx; and Joseph Addabbo, Jr., NYS Senator, Queens.

The Museum also extends its gratitude to US Rep. Thomas Suozzi, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, and City Councilman Christopher Marte for participating in today’s event.

The Museum opened today with three inaugural exhibitions: “Puppet Homecoming:  The Historic Sicilian Manteo Marionettes Return to Mulberry Street;” “The Quincentenary: The Voyages of the Italian Explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano,” and “Good Night, Maria” (a tribute to Italian Americans who toiled in the garment industry).

The Museum’s permanent collection, currently in storage, will be installed by Spring 2025.

The Museum’s initial hours will be:

Columbus Day, Monday, October 14: 

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

After Columbus Day:

Monday: No public hours

Tuesday: No public hours

Wednesday: By appointment only

Thursday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Friday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Saturday: 12:00 pm -5:00 pm

Sunday: By appointment only

The Italian American Museum is the result of its principal founder’s vision.  Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, a retired CUNY professor, was inspired by “The Italians of New York: Five Centuries of Struggle and Achievement” exhibition at the New-York Historical Society in 1999. It was one of the Society’s most successful presentations in its history. Two years later, the Italian American museum was chartered by the State of New York. It originally opened at a CUNY facility on W. 44^th St. in Manhattan before moving to Little Italy, where it occupied the preserved storefront of the Banca Stabile, a financial institution and community center which served the Italian American population from 1885 to 1933 at 189 Grand St.

The bank’s mammoth safe is already on display at the Museum; some of its original contents are expected to be part of the permanent collection.