The Met has a long history of developing thoughtful, vibrant and innovative architectural spaces that both advance the pursuit of our mission and serve as powerful statements and valued works of art, and today I am pleased to unveil the latest chapter in this storied legacy : Architect Frida Escobedo's plan for a completely reimagined, perfectly designed and significantly improved home for the museum's outstanding 20th and 21st century art collection.
Escobedo's plan for the new Oscar L. and HM Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing was developed over the past two years in close collaboration with the Met's teams and is based on their intensive engagement with the museum's buildings, collection and environment in Central Park a convincingly dynamic and exceptionally inspired design. The project will increase our gallery space by nearly 50 percent, creating more than 70,000 square feet to display our outstanding modern and contemporary collection, while maintaining The Met's existing footprint and overall height. Importantly, the project will allow us to better illuminate connecting points across the Museum's global collection, which spans more than 5,000 years of art history, while addressing key accessibility, infrastructure and sustainability needs. With this elegant, contemporary concept – based on her deep understanding of architectural history, materiality, spatial configuration and artistic expression – Escobedo cements her reputation as one of the most important architects of our time and makes history as the first woman to design a wing at the Met .
Inspired by architect Kevin Roche's 1971 master plan for The Met, Escobedo's design takes a distinctly modern approach interwoven with timeless, universal motifs. The exterior facade is defined by a stunning, translucent limestone “celosia” that subtly responds to the movement of sunlight throughout the day. Inside, galleries of varying size, height and complexity flow into one another, allowing for the exhibition and interaction of artworks of all media and sizes. The new Tang Wing will also have a strong dialogue with its surroundings, with features such as an expanded Iris and B. Gerald Cantor roof garden on the fourth floor of the wing and an additional outdoor terrace on the fifth floor offering year-round views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
The unveiling of these designs represents an important and exciting milestone in this major, transformative project, which has received significant support from our trustees, donors and partners across the city. When it opens in 2030, the Tang Wing will provide a worthy home for a new, innovative and highly relevant installation of the Met's significantly expanded collection of 20th and 21st century art, set in a broader global setting and transhistorical dialogue. I am grateful to Frida Escobedo and the many people involved in bringing this ambitious and important vision to life, and am pleased to share these enthusiastic words from others in our community:
“The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York City’s crown jewels, an iconic cultural landmark that represents New Yorkers to the rest of the world,” he said New York Mayor Eric Adams. “By showcasing artwork from new and established artists from all walks of life, Tang Wing is a bold effort to expand our understanding of the role of art in New York culture and our society.”
“We are pleased that this important project is moving forward. “This historic design by Frida Escobedo and the commitment to accessibility in the new wing reflect the diversity and ambition of our city and will be beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape thanks to the work of our partners at the Central Park Conservancy on the surrounding landscape,” he said New York Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We congratulate The Met on this milestone and look forward to continuing to work with them and our partners across the city government to further enhance this world-class destination for visitors of all backgrounds.”
“The reimagined Tang Wing will provide exciting new opportunities for the Met’s millions of visitors to experience the museum’s incredible collection and engage with a wide range of contemporary voices,” he added The Co-Chairs of the Met Board of Trustees are Candace K. Beinecke and Hamilton (“Tony”) E. James. “With its inviting and immersive design, the wing will enable bold and innovative presentations that reflect the vibrant, multicultural spirit of New York City and the broader community.”
Oscar Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang commented: “Frida Escobedo has conceived a space as inimitable as the masterpieces that make up The Met. The new wing demonstrates the Met's commitment to presenting visual stories across time, geography and cultures. We are pleased to be moving forward with this groundbreaking project.”
“I applaud the Metropolitan Museum of Art for this important milestone in the construction of the Tang Wing for Modern and Contemporary Art,” he said Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. “Frida Escobedo makes HERstory as the first woman to design a wing of the Met in its history, and it is clear that special attention was paid to creating an exceptional space that features artworks that reflect the diverse experiences of all New Yorkers. and visitors to the museum. The city is proud of its long-standing partnership with The Met to foster an institution where the greatest works of art from history and around the world are open and accessible to all, and this milestone marks another step in keeping with that long-standing commitment.”
“The design unveiled today by the Metropolitan Museum of Art makes its intent clear: Tang Wing will attract millions of visitors from all corners of Manhattan and the world with its growing collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists long underrepresented in Manhattan reaching the art world,” said Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President. “From the Upper East Side to Washington Heights, the museum’s offerings showcase the diverse mosaic of these Manhattan neighborhoods that are representative of our borough. I thank the museum for its continued investment in Manhattan and the people of Manhattan.”
“We have a strong, long-standing partnership with The Met and enthusiastically support their commitment and ambition to replace the modern and contemporary art wing, which currently does not meet the museum’s high standards. Max and his team were open to our design and landscape input and the changes they made resulted in a better project. We look forward to continuing to collaborate on this dynamic project as The Met begins the public review process with the community and stakeholders,” he said Betsy Smith, President and CEO, Central Park Conservancy.
“From the valuable works of art that will be housed to the thousands of good-paying union jobs this project will create, the Tang Wing is undeniably a gift to New York City,” he said Brad Hoylman-Sigal, New York State Senator. “New York has long been known for its cultural and artistic offerings, and this new chapter in the museum’s history will further solidify its contribution to a more inclusive art world and to our city.”
“The new Tang Wing will be a first-class addition to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and will provide a unique platform to tell the diverse stories of artists of the 20th and 21st centuries,” he said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I am thrilled with the unveiled design of Frida Escobedo, whose vision will be visible and enjoyable for the whole world to see. I congratulate the Metropolitan Museum of Art on reaching this historic milestone and look forward to visiting the new Tang Wing upon its completion to celebrate this historic project.”
“The Tang Wing will allow more New Yorkers to view the phenomenal works of art in the Museum’s extensive collection, while also creating spaces for community gatherings so that visitors, such as my constituents on the Upper West Side, see the Museum as immersive “I look forward to continued dialogue between The Met and community boards, conservation groups and city officials,” said Councilman Gale A. Brewer.
“The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an iconic member of our Upper East Side community. “So it is exciting to see the Museum embark on its next curatorial chapter for the benefit of all New Yorkers and the millions of visitors who come to our community each year to see its extensive art collection,” said Councilman Keith Powers.
said Councilmember Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee“The Met’s Tang Wing and its remarkable design represent a significant new chapter for both the museum and our city’s cultural landscape.” By showcasing the work of diverse artists in a groundbreaking space, this project highlights vibrant creativity and enduring New York City’s Commitment to the Arts.”
Frida Escobedo, founder and director of Frida Escobedo Studiosaid: “Our aim was to create a building that fully meets the needs and aspirations of the Met, providing important connections between the modern and contemporary art galleries and other areas of the museum, while at the same time reflecting the museum’s special significance “the place of the Tang Wing in the city. The piano is in New York and yet of the world; It reflects the global nature of this magnificent collection and also draws inspiration from the Met's unique surroundings. Such a claim can only be realized through close and consistent cooperation. We are deeply grateful to our exceptional partners at The Met and all members of the expert design team.”
Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundationstated: “With its innovative architecture and dynamic layout, the Met's Tang Wing promises to provide an engaging environment for experiencing a wide range of contemporary voices, including those that have been historically underrepresented.” The thoughtful design underscores the museum's commitment, to expand the stories told in its galleries and foster a deeper sense of connection for everyone who walks through its doors.”
Artist and Met Trustee Jordan Casteel commented: “The Met has long been a source of creativity for artists like me, and Frida Escobedo continues that legacy beautifully through her brilliant design, which draws inspiration in part from the museum's collection and existing architecture.” I “I look forward to seeing the converted wing come to life and provide an enhanced platform for viewing and celebrating diverse artistic voices and perspectives.”