Oberon Opens at New Museum as Manhattan Dining Destination
Oberon at New Museum opens in Manhattan with chef Julia Sherman, art-inspired interiors and a farm-to-table menu. Read more.
Prajakta Sanjay Warwadkar 
NEW YORK, July 09, 2026 — Oberon has opened at the New Museum in Manhattan, introducing a standalone restaurant that combines contemporary dining, art and design within the museum's newly expanded campus. Led by chef Julia Sherman, the restaurant welcomes both museum visitors and evening diners with a seasonal, farm-to-table menu.
The opening forms part of the New Museum's $82 million expansion, positioning Oberon as an independent dining destination while strengthening the growing trend of museum restaurants becoming attractions in their own right.
Oberon Brings Art and Dining Together at the New Museum
Developed by The Oberon Group, the restaurant operates independently from the museum while remaining connected to its cultural identity. During museum hours, guests can enter through the main lobby, while evening visitors access the restaurant through Freeman Alley, with service extending until 1 a.m.
The restaurant occupies a dedicated ground-floor space designed by Shohei Shigematsu of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). Cork sourced from Portugal defines both the interior and exterior, creating a warm, textured environment focused on sustainability and contemporary design.
Chef Julia Sherman Creates a Seasonal Farm-to-Table Menu
Chef Julia Sherman has developed a vegetable-forward menu featuring approachable dishes alongside seafood and meat options. Signature offerings include crudo, prawns with yellow lentil dal and salsa negra, shrimp dishes and the Oberon Burger.
Sherman said the restaurant is designed as a calm and welcoming space where guests can relax after exploring the museum's galleries, combining familiar flavours with thoughtful seasonal ingredients.
Design, Art and Hospitality Shape the Guest Experience
Oberon features custom interiors by designer Minjae Kim, while artist Ian Cheng has created an interactive AI-powered digital artwork behind the bar that evolves through guest interactions over time. Additional collaborations include custom tableware, floral installations and staff uniforms created by artists and designers from New York's creative community.
"The idea was to create a restaurant for the downtown New York art world and the wider community while serving its social, aesthetic and civic needs," said Henry Rich, managing partner of The Oberon Group.
The opening adds another destination to New York City's expanding collection of museum restaurants, where dining experiences increasingly extend beyond traditional gallery visits.
For additional information, visit the New Museum or the Oberon Group.
Source: New Museum and The Oberon Group official information. Hospitality Career Profile.
