Museum of the Dog Opens Feb 8 at 101 Park Ave.

NEW YORK CITY—Man’s best friend is not in the dog house but on Park Avenue—more specifically at 101 Park Ave. On Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog will open at HJ Kalikow & Company’s Midtown Manhattan office tower. The AKC has signed a 60,000 square-foot, 20-year lease at the property for its museum and corporate headquarters.

“We are proud to be the new home of what is considered one of the world’s largest collections of canine fine art,” says Peter S. Kalikow, president of HJ Kalikow. “The decision by the AKC to build its new museum within 101 Park Ave. reflects the building’s strategic location for visitors and commerce alike as well as our desire to have tenants that add prestige to this world famous address.”

Formerly, the museum was in St. Louis, MO. for more than 30 years but had closed in September.

In its New York City location, the AKC’s headquarters will occupy the roughly 43,000 square-foot fifth floor, while the museum will be housed in the lobby and third-floor space. The museum will feature interactive displays such as the “Find Your Match” kiosk. In this exhibit, visitors can get their photos taken, then matched in likeness with an AKC-registered dog breed. A “Meet the Breeds” touchscreen allows people to learn more about specific breeds, and their histories, and their representations in the collection.

“This building is one of the most beautiful in New York City with wonderful amenities.” says Ron Menaker, chairman of AKC. Built in 1982, the 49-story, 1.3 million square-foot, glass tower is located between E. 40th and E. 41st streets, close to Grand Central Terminal.

Other tenants in the skycraper include Morgan Stanley, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Tiger Management, Morgan Lewis, Hitachi, Aetna, Price Waterhouse and Kelley Drye & Warren LLP.

Alan Fausel, executive director of the museum, says they are thrilled to bring the collection and exhibitions to new audiences in New York City.