This fall, three magnificent new museums—in Princeton, Benin City, and Harlem—designed by the acclaimed David Adjaye, are set to open their doors. Yet, Adjaye himself is unlikely to be celebrating at the glittering galas. These institutions have been publicly distancing themselves from him since sexual misconduct allegations were leveled against him two years ago. While Adjaye, celebrated for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, has denied the claims, they have cost him several high-profile roles and clients. This creates a paradox: as his breathtaking buildings welcome the public, the visionary architect himself remains conspicuously absent, leaving the art world to ponder the complex legacy of a genius whose personal conduct has cast a long shadow over his professional triumphs.
NYT
