Studio Museum in Harlem

Columbia Business School

Scope of Work:

Curtis Partition proudly delivered interior systems for the Studio Museum in Harlem, a cultural landmark reimagined with bold architectural features, technical precision, and specialized finishes throughout. This ambitious museum build was defined by its deck-to-deck challenges, humidity control solutions, and an elevated design vision brought to life by our trade coordination, planning, and execution.

Our scope included:

Metal stud framing, insulation, and gypsum board systems

Shaftwall and fire-rated assemblies for accelerated scheduling

Custom stair framing and substrate prep for stone

Star Silent and Ecophon acoustical ceilings

Custom barrel ceiling framing using wiggle board

X-grid ceiling pop-ups and curved details

Exterior ceiling framing with engineered wind load resistance

Blocking and finish prep for 110-foot vertical gallery walls

Full Level 5 finish across gallery and public-facing spaces

Project Highlights
Environmental Control: Installed foil-backed sheetrock to regulate interior humidity and support climate control for artwork preservation.

Logistics & Layout: Navigated complex deck height changes and exposed floor drops across multiple levels with careful planning and safety protocol.

Specialty Assemblies: Partnered with Cooper Plaster to install Star Silent plenum ceilings with compound curves and Level 5 plaster finish.

Collaborative Build: Managed subcontract scopes for carpentry and acoustical systems with Creative and Cooper Plaster, respectively.

Architectural Finishes: Executed complex geometries, including curved ceilings, x-grid pop-ups, and custom access panel integrations.

Results
The Studio Museum in Harlem stands as a testament to architectural excellence and cultural legacy — and Curtis Partition’s ability to bring both to life through construction. Working alongside Sciame Construction and world-renowned design teams, we helped shape a landmark interior that’s both visually striking and technically sound — on time and to spec.