NEW YORK, NY.- The Shed today announced the naming of its Level 2 Gallery as The Darla Moore Gallery, in recognition of a transformative, unrestricted $25 million gift from philanthropist and founding board member Darla Moore. This pivotal investment marks a key moment for The Shed to strengthen its long-term sustainability and enable continued innovation in its mission as a leading arts nonprofit.

“The belief that art is a catalyst for transformation is foundational to my philanthropy. I believed in The Shed from the very beginning because it represented something New York, and the world, truly needed: a space where artists could take risks and audiences could experience something entirely new,” said Darla Moore. “It is incredibly meaningful to continue supporting an institution that pushes boundaries and creates opportunities for artists to realize ambitious ideas. I’m proud to stand behind its future and its role in the cultural life of this city.”

Moore’s support reflects her deep and enduring belief in The Shed’s founding vision. As one of the institution’s earliest champions, Moore backed the organization when it existed only as an ambitious idea—drawn from the inspiration of founding board chair Dan Doctoroff and a visionary group of cultural leaders committed to creating a new 21st-century arts institution. Her continued investment also reflects a strong confidence in the institution’s leadership under CEO Meredith “Max” Hodges and its direction for the future.

“Darla recognized and appreciated The Shed’s vision from our earliest days and helped bring it to life. Her latest extraordinary philanthropy helps ensure a stable foundation on which The Shed can continue to grow, invest, and take the risks necessary to keep New York City on the leading edge of art and culture,” said Jonathan Tisch, chair of The Shed’s Board of Directors. “We are so pleased that The Darla Moore Gallery will be a testament to Darla’s leadership and indomitable spirit. We are most grateful.”

"Darla Moore, one of The Shed’s founders, helped create it with innovative and well-designed ideas. Her new support and vote of confidence is extraordinary. I love Darla!,” said Dan Doctoroff, The Shed’s founding board chair.

This gift arrives as The Shed continues to build on its momentum and supports alignment between vision, execution, and impact. By strengthening and securing the organization’s operations and financial foundation, Moore’s gift enables continued artistic risk-taking and deepened impact on artists and audiences, reinforcing The Shed’s role as a vital cultural destination in Hudson Yards and a meaningful contributor to New York City’s artistic landscape.

“I’m deeply grateful to Darla for her exceptional generosity and belief in The Shed,” said Meredith “Max” Hodges, The Shed’s CEO. “This gift is not just support, it’s trust. Trust in our team, in our vision, and in the future we’re working toward. It allows us to keep saying yes to ambitious artists and ideas, to continue growing our audiences, and to build something that feels alive and lasting. I feel inspired and optimistic about what lies ahead.”

Since opening in 2019, The Shed has activated its flexible, interdisciplinary spaces with boundary-pushing work that embraces innovation, accessibility, and artistic excellence, welcoming all arts for all audiences. From large-scale commissions to genre-defying performances and exhibitions, The Shed has become the home for future-facing art and artists.

Last year alone, The Shed welcomed more than 250,000 visitors, many for free, to a wide range of programs. Major public art installations included Victor Quinonez’s Elevar La Cultura and Beeple’s Diffuse Control; theater productions included the world premiere of Tom Hanks in his original play This World of Tomorrow and the revival of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brothers Size; exhibitions included the spectacular art carnival Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy featuring work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sonia Delaunay, Keith Haring, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein.

Building on this record, The Shed will present the New York City premiere of Doug Aitken’s Lightscape this summer in The Darla Moore Gallery. This new interdisciplinary installation plunges audiences into a contemporary portrait of the United States. Lightscape will open to the public on June 25.