The Bowery may be moving toward the mainstream, but that doesn't mean there's no room for fluorescent lights and papier-mâché nudes! Towering amidst restaurant-supply stores and flophouses, the fascinating, hyperbizarre New Museum is the Bowery's latest step toward its new, haute identity. We were treated to a preview of the sure-to-be landmark, talked to architects Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, and checked out the locals' reaction to their strange new neighbor. For your viewing pleasure, a sneak peek inside the new New Museum, opening Saturday.

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