MASterworks Awards
Established in 2001, the MASterworks Design Awards recognize projects completed in the previous year that exemplify excellence across the municipal arts of architecture, landscape architecture, preservation, and public art. From iconic buildings to neighborhood gems, our list of past winners includes the likes of Weeksville Heritage Center, David Geffen Hall, Adams Street Library, the Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, Tenement Museum, Endale Arch, the TKTS Booth, Newtown Creek Nature Walk, High Bridge, and the Gowanus Canal Sponge Park.
The 2027 call for project submissions is open now through Friday, November 13, at 11:59 PM. To be eligible, projects must be located within the five boroughs of New York City and have been completed between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Submissions can be made here >
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Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center. Photo Credit: Alexander Severin.photo 1 of 14 -
The Studio Museum in Harlem. Photo Credit: Dror Baldingerphoto 2 of 14 -
Davis Center at the Harlem Meer. Photo Credit: Central Park Conservancy.photo 3 of 14 -
Kelly Park Playground. Photo Credit: JR Cruzphoto 4 of 14 -
The Frick. Photo credit: Joe Coscia Jr.photo 5 of 14 -
Waldorf Astoria New York. Lucas Blair Simpson © SOM (before), Dave Burk © SOM (after)photo 6 of 14 -
The Refinery at Domino. Photo Credit: Max Touheyphoto 7 of 14 -
Manhattan Pet Adoption Center. Photo Credit: Alex Fradkinphoto 8 of 14 -
DUMBO Archway Plaza Bleachers. Photo Credit: Noemie Trustyphoto 9 of 14 -
Gowanus Lowlands. Photo Credit: SCAPE/Ty Colephoto 10 of 14 -
'Exodus and Dance' Restoration at Kingsborough Houses. Photo Credit: New York City Housing Authorityphoto 11 of 14 -
Gotham Park. Photo Credit: Jay Maldonadophoto 12 of 14 -
PENN 2. Photo Credit: Magda Biernatphoto 13 of 14 -
Plaza 33. Photo Credit: Michael Moranphoto 14 of 14
2027 Open Call
The 2027 Open Call is open now through Friday, November 13 at 11:59 PM. To be eligible for a 2027 MASterworks Design Award, projects must be located within the five boroughs of New York City and have been completed between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.
Criteria
All nominated projects must be located in New York City and have been completed in the previous year. Projects can be nominated in up to two of the following categories:
- Best New Building for a project that exemplifies outstanding design and enhances the built environment
- Best Adaptive Reuse for a project that exemplifies excellence in adaptive reuse of a significant historic building or structure
- Best Restoration for a project that expertly captures the original qualities of a significant historic building or structure
- Best Urban Landscape for a new or revitalized open space that contributes to livability and resilience
- Best Urban Amenity for an addition to the public realm that contributes to a more livable city
- Best Public Art for a new or newly restored project that enriches the cultural fabric of the city
2027 Jury
This year’s jury panel includes architect Frida Escobedo, founder of Frida Escobedo Studio and designer of the new Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; Benjamin Gilmartin, a Partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) and leader of the redesign of Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; Nathaniel Rogers, a leading practitioner and the Director of Historic Preservation at Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners; Lee Altman, a Principal at Starr Whitehouse, who leads the firm’s planning, urban design, and resilience practice; and Walter Hood, a multidisciplinary designer and the creative director and founder of Hood Design Studio, a landscape architecture and social art practice in Oakland, California.
The jury will prioritize projects that provide a public benefit.
2026 Honorees
- Best New Building
The Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center by Studio Gang
Studio Museum in Harlem by Adjaye Associates - Best New Urban Landscape
The Davis Center at the Harlem Meer by Susan T. Rodriguez Architecture and the Central Park Conservancy
Kelly Park Playground by NYC Parks - Best Restoration
The Frick Collection by Selldorf Architects and Beyer Blinder Belle
Waldorf Astoria New York by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill - Best Adaptive Reuse
The Refinery at Domino by Practice for Architecture & Urbanism and Field Operations
The Manhattan Pet Adoption Center by Studio Joseph - Best New Urban Amenity
The DUMBO Archway Plaza Bleachers by AECOM - Best Environmental Innovation
Gowanus Lowlands by SCAPE, Gowanus Canal Conservancy, and NYC Department of City Planning - Best Public Art Restoration
Exodus and Dance Frieze by Richmond Barthé at the Kingsborough Houses restored by Jemco Electrical Contractors, EverGreene Architectural Arts, and the New York City Housing Authority - Special Recognition
Gotham Park by the New York City Department of Transportation
PENN 2 by MdeAS Architects and Plaza 33 by MNLA
Open Call: 2027 MASterworks Design Awards
Celebrating excellence in architecture & urban design across New York City
Deadline: Friday, November 13 at 11:59 PM
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