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The Bronx Museum opened in 1971 as a small gallery in the rotunda of the County Courthouse. Over three decades later, the museum is the borough's chief art institution with its own building—a gray-paneled, utilitarian structure enhanced by a newer, large wing with an accordion-like façade of folding metal panels. From the sunny entrance hall, stairs lead up to three spacious exhibition galleries with twenty-foot ceilings and blond-wood floors. There is also a much smaller side-gallery. Most of the space, like the museum’s reputation, is based primarily on its provocative shows of contemporary art. These are often devoted to art that combines aesthetic considerations with sociopolitical issues. "One Planet Under A Groove: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art" and "Witness: Perspectives on Police Violence" drew large crowds, critical attention, and, in the case of the latter, angry responses to its portrayal of cops. The annual "Artists in the Market Place (AIM)" is the Museum’s marquee event. Thirty-six young artists are given business pointers, critical evaluation, and general encouragement in two 12-week seminars. They are then featured in a group show adjudicated by curators and gallerists citywide. — Simon Spelling

Working with local schools, the museum offers one- to two-hour on-site sessions for students. These include tours and discussions of current gallery exhibits and an art-making workshop. The School Visits Program combines thematic discussions with hands-on, in-gallery interpretive art projects ranging from gallery games to writing exercises and media-based activities.

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