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After five years of planning, the Center for Architecture opened to acclaim in autumn 2003. Founded in 1867, the organization languished for years on the sixth floor of a Lexington Avenue edifice, far out of sight (and mind) of all but the most devoted architecture aficionados. After a design competition, Andrew Berman Architect was chosen to transform the space into a fitting home for architectural debate. Berman cut away large slabs of flooring at the street and basement levels, converting underground spaces into bright, museum-quality galleries. The building is New York's first public space to use an energy-efficient geothermal system. Water from two 1,260ft wells is piped through the building to help heat and cool it.

Find more galleries & museums at Time Out New York.