A modern wing for the metropolis' historical art museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has unveiled the design for its new modern and contemporary art wing Frida Escobedo Studio. This groundbreaking project was led by the first woman to design a grand piano museumThe Met's 154-year history will expand the Met's capacity to exhibit 20th and 21st century art while improving accessibility, sustainability and integration with its historic site New York City Campus.
Officially named Oscar L. Tang and HM Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, the new wing will increase gallery space by nearly 50% and add over 70,000 square feet to accommodate modern and contemporary art. The wing's five-story structure was designed to address accessibility and infrastructure limitations and will connect to adjacent galleries and the broader museum complex. The design maximizes the use of the existing 123,000 square feet of floor space and preserves the original height of the 1880-built wing at the museum's core. Check out designboom's previous coverage Here.
Images © Brett Beyer, courtesy of The Met
Redesigned gallery spaces by Frida Escobedo
architect Frida Escobedo's design reflects the architectural heritage of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which includes twenty-one interconnected buildings and various styles. The limestone facade of the museumThe new wing features a “Celosía” latticework inspired by architectural traditions from around the world. This textured surface allows for a subtle shift in light throughout the day while respecting the iconic and picturesque backdrop of Central Park. The inclusion of glass elements is reminiscent of Kevin Roche's 1971 master plan for The Met and creates a dialogue with the museum's existing Beaux-Arts and modernist designs.
Inside, the wing features interconnecting gallery spaces with ceilings ranging from 11 to 22 feet, housing both large-scale installations and more intimate works. The redesign also improves the visitor experience through improved wayfinding and circulation. The fifth floor features a new 1,000-square-foot café, while the galleries offer views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor experience.
The Metropolitan Museum unveils the new design for Frida Escobedo's Modern and Contemporary Art Wing
Improved exterior and roof surfaces
Frida Escobedo's project significantly expands the Metropolitan Museum of Art's outdoor spaces, adding 18,500 square feet of terraces on the fourth and fifth floors. The popular roof garden will be moved to a larger terrace on the fourth floor and its footprint will be increased from 7,500 to almost 10,000 square meters. Landscaping by Thomas Woltz draws inspiration from Central Park's rich traditions and offers visitors tranquil outdoor spaces to complement their museum experience.
The new wing features state-of-the-art accessibility features, including additional elevator cores, ramps and optimized circulation routes. Sustainability is the focus, with reduced solar radiation, energy-efficient air conditioning and thoughtful use of natural light. The museum's commitment to reducing energy consumption is consistent with broader sustainability goals.
The surrounding landscape will be revitalized to complement the building's design and its location in Central Park. Working with the Central Park Conservancy and NYC Parks, the museum will restore adjacent green spaces and add tree canopy, shrubbery, and lawns consistent with Frederick Law Olmsted's original vision for the park.
Visitors can enjoy rooftop views and expanded outdoor terraces overlooking Central Park year-round
The project is scheduled to open in 2030 and has already raised $550 million in private donations, underscoring the broad support of local and global communities. The Metropolitan Museum continues its tradition of architectural innovation, establishing this new wing as both a cultural landmark and a sustainable model for the future of museum design.
'Frida Escobedo's exceptionally inspired, deeply considered and dynamic design for the Tang Wing cements her reputation as one of today's most important architects' said Max Hollein, Marina Kellen, French director and chief executive officer of the Met. 'As steward 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—and sometimes surprise—the wealthy. Connections that can be found throughout our collection of 5,000 years of art history.
'Escobedo's elegant, contemporary design reflects not only his understanding of architectural history, materiality, and artistic expression, but also a deep appreciation for the Met's mission, collection, and visitors. We are excited to share these exciting plans with our audience and are incredibly grateful the enthusiasm and significant support of our trustees, donors and supporters across the city and beyond.'
The project will increase the gallery space by almost fifty percent to over 70,000 square meters
Rhythmic gallery spaces will host intimate exhibitions as well as large-scale installations