The Metropolitan Museum of Art will have a new wing dedicated to modern and contemporary art that for the first time in the museum’s history will be designed by a woman, Mexican architect Frida Escobedo.
Thanks to some $500 million raised from private donations, construction of the building will start and should be completed by 2030. Nearly 130,000 square feet in size spread over five floors, the wing will be named after Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, who donated $125 million to the Met for the massive project. This will be overseen along with chief architect Frida Escobedo Studio, also by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners LLC, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, and engineering firms Kohler Ronan and Thornton Tomasetti.
“Frida Escobedo’s extraordinarily inspired, deeply thoughtful and dynamic design for the Tang Wing solidifies her position as one of today’s leading architects,” said Max Hollein, director and managing director of The Met’s Marina Kellen French, in a statement.
The new wing, which will house the 20th- and 21st-century art collection, will be no taller than the current one which dates back to 1880, but will increase the current gallery space by expanding it by nearly 50 percent.
The design curated by Escobado includes the use of a limestone material for the cladding, composed of a mineral texture that will create a translucent effect, and the use of large windows. These will allow sunlight to enter the spaces without it interfering with the works on display, but changing the perception of the environment during the day, allowing visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of the New York skyline.
The new gallery spaces are designed to allow for a variation of small and large-scale installations. On the fifth floor of the wing there will also be a new nearly 1,000-square-foot café offering a place to relax, designed by Thomas Woltz of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects.
Max Hollein commented, “As stewards of one of the most outstanding art collections of the 20th and 21st centuries, The Met has a responsibility to New York City and the world to present the art of our time in exceptionally compelling, scholarly, and innovative exhibitions that illuminate the rich and sometimes surprising connections that can be drawn through our 5,000-year collection of art history. 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 are thrilled to reveal these exciting plans to our audiences and incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and meaningful support of our trustees, donors, and supporters throughout the city and beyond.”
