Reopened Fall 2023: Galleries for European Paintings 1300 to 1800
Big things are happening in The Met’s celebrated European Paintings galleries.
The European Paintings galleries span two areas of the Museum, dividing the collection between the years 1300 to 1800 and 1800 to 1900. Over the past seven decades, the expansive overhead skylights that admit natural overhead light into the pre-1800 galleries have deteriorated, necessitating their replacement. This work has improved the quality of light, enhanced the experience of looking at paintings, and resolved basic maintenance issues for the preservation of our historic physical plant. This momentous undertaking, which began in 2018 affects over 30,000 square feet of gallery space. The final reinstallation, including the complete rehanging of the galleries, opened in late Fall 2023. This project requires gallery closures and movement of works of art among galleries.
Current Status
The Metropolitan Museum of Art reopened its full suite of 45 galleries dedicated to European paintings from 1300 to 1800 on November 20, 2023, following the completion of an extensive skylight renovation project that began in 2018.
The reopened galleries dedicated to European Paintings from 1300 to 1800 highlight fresh narratives and dialogues among more than 700 works of art from the Museum’s world-famous holdings
The reopened galleries will highlight new narratives and juxtapositions among more than 700 works of art following an approximately five-year-long project to replace the galleries’ skylights
Why Is This Happening?
The lifespan of the present skylight system—installed in 1939 and remodeled in 1952—has run its course. Additionally, this work assures the optimum quality of light for The Met’s visitors.
Is Natural Light That Important?
Just ask any painter! Before the twentieth century, most paintings were created in natural light. Looking at paintings without excessive artificial lights allows us to best appreciate the artist’s handling of materials. Natural pigments respond best to such circumstance. For this reason, many museums place their paintings galleries on the top floor, with natural overhead light usually augmented by artificial light. The Met’s ambitious new system of skylights will cast a wonderfully diffuse light that can be maintained and seasonally adjusted with a view to longevity. It supports the Museum’s aim to provide visitors with the optimal environment in which to appreciate the collection.
Skylights Blog
Stay up-to-date on the project through a series of blog articles written by The Met's curatorial team and guest authors.
