NEW YORK, NY.- The Museum of Modern Art announces that it will open to the public seven days per week beginning May 1, 2013. Over the last two years, the Museum experimented with opening on Tuesdays—a day on which the Museum is usually closed—during summer months and holiday periods in the winter and spring. Based on the success of those initiatives, the Museum determined that its public hours should expand to seven days per week on a year-round basis.

Since the Museum's reopening in its renovated and expanded building in 2004, MoMA's annual attendance has nearly doubled—from approximately 1.5 million visitors per year to nearly 3 million.

"Expanding the Museum's hours to be open to the public seven days per week will help meet the demand from a growing audience," said Glenn D. Lowry, Director of The Museum of Modern Art. "In terms of enhancing the visitor experience, adding Tuesdays to the public schedule provides greater opportunity for public enjoyment of our exhibitions, collection, and programs, and supports the Museum's mission to reach the widest possible audience."

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says, "New York City continues to grow in prominence as an international capital of culture and a vibrant destination for an increasing number of visitors from around the world. This decision by The Museum of Modern Art will benefit tourists and residents alike, and is an affirmation of the importance of art and culture in the life of our city."

In 2011, New York City welcomed a record 50.9 million visitors to all five boroughs. The City has set a new goal for 2015 to attract 55 million visitors which tourism officials estimate will have an impact of $70 billion to the City's economy.