The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has unveiled its designs for a new $550 million wing for modern and contemporary art, set to open in 2030.
The concept by Mexican architect Frida Escobedo – the first woman to design a wing in the museum’s 154-year history – includes the renovation and expansion of The Met’s existing modern and contemporary wing.
“Frida Escobedo’s extraordinarily inspired, deeply thoughtful, and dynamic design for the Tang Wing cements her standing as one of today’s most relevant architects,” said Max Hollein, CEO and director of The Met.
“Escobedo’s elegant, contemporary design reflects not only an understanding of architectural history, materiality, and artistic expression but also a deep appreciation for The Met’s mission, collection, and visitors.
“We’re thrilled to reveal these exciting plans to our audiences, and incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and significant support of our trustees, donors, and supporters across the city and beyond.”
The expansion will increase the wing’s current gallery space by nearly 50 percent, creating more than 70,000 square feet for the museum‘s collection of 20th and 21st-century art.
The five-storey, 126,000-square-foot wing will seamlessly connect with the rest of The Met. It will be no higher than the original height of the 1880 wing at the centre of the museum complex.
Frida Escobedo-designed space
Escobedo said her studio’s goal was to “create a building that fully meets the needs and aspirations of The Met, weaving together vital connections between the modern and contemporary art galleries and other areas of the museum and at the same time expressing the special significance of the Tang Wing’s place in the city”.
She added: “The wing is in New York, yet of the world; it reflects the global nature of this great collection and also draws inspiration from The Met’s unique surroundings. Such an ambition can be realized only through close and consistent collaboration.”
In more news, the museum has announced it will reopen its Michael C. Rockefeller Wing in May 2025.
Images courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
