Carnegie Hill Co-op Owned by MoMA's Founding Director Lists for $2.3M

The apartment once belonged to Alfred Barr Jr., the original director of the Museum of Modern Art.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Carnegie Hill apartment that once belonged to Alfred Barr Jr., the original director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) when it opened in 1929, has hit the market for $2,295,000. Barr, who championed modern art and helped bring Pablo Picasso's work to the United States, lived in the high-floor three-bedroom co-op at 49 East 96th Street during his tenure as director from 1929 to 1943. The apartment is now being sold by Barr's only daughter, artist and set designer Victoria Barr, who passed away last spring at the age of 87.

Why it matters

This listing provides a rare opportunity to own a piece of art history, as the apartment was home to one of the most influential figures in the modern art movement. Barr's leadership at MoMA helped shape the institution into an 'experimental and open place' for people to experience modern art, and his acquisition of an unparalleled collection of Picasso works cemented his legacy.

The details

The charming pre-war apartment is currently configured as a three-bedroom home, but could easily offer four bedrooms. The residence boasts northern, southern, and eastern exposures, bringing in lots of natural light and views down to Midtown and the Triborough Bridge. The building, designed by Thomas W. Lamb and built in 1930, includes 64 apartments and amenities such as a 24-hour door staff, a live-in super, a gym, and bike rooms.

  • Alfred Barr Jr. served as the inaugural director of MoMA from 1929 through 1943.
  • The apartment was occupied by Barr's only daughter, Victoria Barr, who died at the age of 87 last spring.

The players

Alfred Barr Jr.

The original director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) when it opened in 1929, who championed modern art and helped bring Pablo Picasso's work to the United States.

Victoria Barr

The only daughter of Alfred Barr Jr., who was an artist and set designer and occupied the apartment until her death last spring at the age of 87.

Thomas W. Lamb

The famous architect who designed the Art Deco co-op building at 49 East 96th Street, where the apartment is located.

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The takeaway

This listing offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of art history, as the apartment was home to one of the most influential figures in the modern art movement. Barr's leadership at MoMA helped shape the institution into an 'experimental and open place' for people to experience modern art, and his acquisition of an unparalleled collection of Picasso works cemented his legacy.