Beyoncé donates $2 million to Studio Museum in Harlem

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has donated $2 million to the Studio Museum in Harlem to mark her 45th birthday. The contribution aims to support the institution’s mission of making art accessible and engaging the community.

In a statement, Beyoncé noted her admiration for the museum’s commitment to being an integral part of the community, stating, “Art tells all our stories, the past and the present, but is not always accessible to everyone.” She added that the museum has introduced her to several of her favorite upcoming Black artists.

The Studio Museum, founded in 1968, is a landmark institution dedicated to championing artists of African descent. Director and chief curator Thelma Golden stated that the gift will help strengthen the museum’s work for residents of Harlem, New York, and global audiences.

The donation follows the museum’s recent move to its first purpose-built home on West 125th Street, which opened in November 2025. The new facility is designed to expand exhibitions, offer more learning opportunities, and bolster the museum’s Artist-in-Residence program.