The What: The Museum of pigeons is a hybrid retail and exhibition experience that uses a pigeon-themed bodega café as an accessible entry point, leading into a ticketed upstairs museum that reframes pigeons as symbols of New York identity, empathy, and resilience through immersive storytelling.

The Why: The Museum of Pigeons explores New York City identity, invites empathy for the overlooked, and positions resilience and adaptation as shared realities of urban life for all.

IDENTITY
Like many New Yorkers, pigeons are transplants. Over time, their enduring presence has made them a symbol of the city. Pigeons are deeply woven into the visual and cultural “brand” of New York, existing as a constant within an ever-changing urban landscape.

EMPATHY
Much of the public’s dislike of pigeons stems from misunderstanding. By revealing their behavior, intelligence, and origins, this project aims to elevate public perception and foster respect. Through knowledge and exposure, the museum encourages a more thoughtful and enjoyable coexistence between people and pigeons.

RESILENCE
Pigeons have spread across the globe, mastering the ability to adapt to environments not designed for them. Their resilience reflects a deeply human experience—making the best of what you’ve been given and finding ways to thrive despite limitations imposed by your surroundings.