About Us
The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) was founded in 1893 to work towards the creation of a livable city, to enhance the lives of all New Yorkers and to use the municipal arts of architecture, landscape architecture, planning, preservation, and public art to improve and protect the built environment of New York.
MAS envisions a future in which all New Yorkers share in the richness of city life—where growth is balanced, character endures, and a resilient future is secured. For over 130 years our advocacy efforts have led to the creation of the New York City Planning Commission, Public Design Commission, Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Tribute in Light; the preservation of Grand Central Terminal, the lights of Times Square, and the Garment District; the conservation of more than 50 works of public art; and the founding of such civic organizations as the Public Art Fund, the New York Landmarks Conservancy, P.S. 1, the Historic Districts Council, the Park Avenue Armory Conservancy, and the Waterfront Alliance.
The staff and board of MAS represent a diverse background of New Yorkers hailing from all five boroughs, united by our dedication to serving this city and the people who live, work, and visit here.
Join us in looking back at more than a century of advocacy on behalf of New York and New Yorkers.
As part of our commitment to transparency, MAS makes it a priority to share information about our organization’s governance, health, and finances with our members, supporters, and partners.
Celebrating the art, architecture, and activism that deepens our understanding of the city and enriches the lives of New Yorkers.
The Doris C. and Alan J. Freedman Gallery was housed at the former offices of MAS at the Villard Houses. In the fall of 2020, the gallery was reimagined as a digital space highlighting artists whose work deepens our understanding of the relationship between people and the built environment.
The Ralph C. Menapace Fellowship in Urban Land Use Law is a two-year Fellowship named in honor of Ralph C. Menapace, Jr. The Menapace Fellow engages in policy development and legal advocacy for current urban land use issues confronting New York City.
