The Met Museum has announced the reopening date for the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, featuring the Arts of Africa, Ancient Americas, and Oceania. Scheduled to open on May 31, 2025, the redesigned wing will accommodate the expanded collection, which has doubled since its debut in 1980. The project, commissioned to WHY Architecture, will present the three regions as distinct, autonomous entities, enhancing their cultural narratives.
With over 1,800 works from more than 100 cultures across five continents, the renovation will feature updated digital elements and enhanced wall texts to deepen visitors’ understanding of the artworks. WHY Architecture collaborated closely with curators, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure the careful placement and storytelling of the pieces.
The wing will showcase new acquisitions, including Andean textiles from Peru, on display for the first time in the U.S., and new commissions from Indigenous artists for the Oceania galleries. The design also incorporates natural lighting and digital features that bring contemporary perspectives to the collection, promoting learning, research, and preservation.
Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO emphasized the significance of the renovation:
“The transformation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing reflects The Met’s commitment to expanding the understanding of the world’s most significant cultures. Through collaboration and community-based curating, we aim to advance the appreciation and contextualization of these collections.”
Originally established by Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller to focus on Africa, Ancient America, and Oceania, the wing has played a pivotal role in broadening global art history perspectives since its opening in 1982. The reimagined galleries will continue this legacy, offering a richer, more nuanced narrative for visitors when they open in May 2025.
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