Museum of the Moving Image to Open Redesigned Building 1/15

Astoria's Museum of the Moving Image will open its redesigned building on January 15, 2011, the New York Times reports.  The redesigned museum, designed by Thomas Leeser, will feature a glass entrance, a grand staircase, and a video wall in the lobby, as well as a new theater (seating 264) and screening room (seating 68).  Museum director Rochelle Slovin told the Times, "I had always felt that a museum about the movies should have some sense of glamour. That is part of what we've now gotten from this project."  The museum's new design also includes three additional stories, increasing the building's square footage from 50,000 square feet to 97,700 square feet. 

In addition, the museum has announced new programming, the Times reports.  The programming will include 'Celebrating the Moving Image,' a series of both classic and new films from various countries; appearances by actors and directors, and musical events. 

The museum will reopen on October 12 for groups who wish to visit the galleries (by appointment only).  It will then close for the Christmas season and will reopen in January.