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In 1961, as folk art was beginning to gel as the overarching term for everything from primitive paintings to Shaker furniture, a small group of pioneering collectors founded a gallery devoted to this emerging field. That institution—now called the American Folk Art Museum—has gone on to play a central role in fostering interest in self-taught artists and artisans nationwide. Today, as owners of one of the country’s largest collections of such hard-to-classify works, the organization acts as an indispensable interpreter and promoter of folk/outsider art. The multi-floored exhibition space is roughly divided between temporary exhibits, addressing one artist or subject, and a permanent exhibit that draws from holdings of over 5,000 pieces. Themed sections allow a thoughtful consideration of original intent as it bears on aesthetic value. The sheer variety of disparate works on display attests to folk art's ever-expanding definition: quilts, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, paintings and furniture. After forty years of temporary spaces, a permanent home designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien was unveiled in 2001. The exquisitely crafted, bronze-paneled, light-suffused structure won the Municipal Art Society's prestigious "Best New Building in the World" award. — Simon Spelling

On Friday evenings, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., admission to the museum is free. The Book and Gift Shop at 45 W. 53rd Street offers an extensive collection of relevant catalogs and books as well as handcrafted items such as jewelry, frames, toys, and cards. The shops hours are Sun. and Tue.—Sat., 10 a.m.—5:30 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.—7:30 p.m.

See It
The museum has a research library, open by appointment only, that has a comprehensive collection of materials relating to American, and international folk art and contemporary self-taught artists.

The museum's former main gallery, at 2 Lincoln Sq., has been kept open to showcase a rotating selection from the collection. There is also a permanent installation of the National Tribute Quilt—thousands of individually crafted and sewn quilt squares that memorialize the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

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Best of New York Awards

• Best Museum Gift Shop (2000)

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• In Brief (12/24/01)