This past weekend, the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space participated in openhousenewyork’s Open House New York Weekend event. Dozens of cultural sites and organizations around the five boroughs opened their doors to the public, allowing guests a look into some of the most interesting examples of New York City design and architecture.

MoRUS gave lucky guests a sneak peek of the museum space and its various exhibits, some of which are still under development, and offered three tours each day. Volunteers led guests around the space discussing the history of activism and sustainability in the East Village and Lower East Side. Exhibits included photography, videos of activist rallies and other demonstrations in the community and pieces made by local artists. Guests had a chance to buy original MoRUS T-shirts, hats and bags, artwork by local artist Fly, and books relating to the museum’s mission. The museum also led four sold out neighborhood tours in which community members showed visitors the East Village’s vibrant community gardens and legendary squats.

Here's our zine rack!

It was a great opportunity for MoRUS volunteers to showcase what they have accomplished since the project began more than a year ago. The storefront was installed six hours before the museum opened for the event, and volunteers worked nonstop to make the weekend a big success. Visitors and East Village locals alike commented positively about the museum as well as the tours in which many of them participated.

We would like to thank everyone who donated to the museum during the open house and extend an especially large thank you to all of our wonderful open house guests. We hope you return for another visit once the museum officially opens! The museum is currently refining its current neighborhood tours as well as adding additional ones and putting finishing touches on exhibitions.

MoRUS has started taking requests for custom neighborhood tours. If you are interested in scheduling a custom group tour, please e-mail tours@morusnyc.org with details about the size of the group, your preferred date and time, and any specific sites you would like for us to focus on during the tour.

Thanks again so much everyone. Please scroll down for more pictures from the weekend!

Here's a shot of one of our sold out tours!

Photos by Nicole and Shoko.