A First Look at the Designs for The Met’s New Modern and Contemporary Art Wing

The Met has a long history of advancing thoughtful, vibrant, and innovative architectural spaces that both further the pursuit of our mission and stand as strong statements and cherished works of art, and I’m thrilled today to reveal the latest chapter in this storied legacy: architect Frida Escobedo’s plan for a fully reimagined, perfectly designed and significantly improved home for the Museum’s outstanding collection of twentieth- and twenty-first-century art.

Developed in close collaboration with teams at The Met over the last two years, Escobedo’s plan for the new Oscar L. and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing draws on her deep engagement with the Museum’s buildings, collection, and setting within Central Park, resulting in a compellingly dynamic and exceptionally inspired design. The project will increase our gallery space by nearly 50 percent, creating more than 70,000 square feet for the display of our outstanding Modern and Contemporary collection, while staying within the existing footprint and overall height of The Met. Importantly, the project will allow us to better illuminate points of connections across the Museum’s global collection encompassing more than 5,000 years of art history, while also addressing critical accessibility, infrastructure, and sustainability needs. With this elegant, contemporary concept—which is rooted in her deep understanding of architectural history, materiality, spatial configuration, and artistic expression—Escobedo cements her standing as one of the most relevant architects of our time while creating history as the first woman to design a wing at The Met.

Taking its cues from architect Kevin Roche’s 1971 master plan for The Met, Escobedo’s design brings a decidedly modern approach that is interwoven with timeless, universal motifs. The exterior façade is defined by a stunning, diaphanous limestone “celosia” that subtly responds to the movement of sunlight throughout the day. Inside, galleries of varying scale, height, and complexity flow into one another, allowing for the display and interaction of works of art of all media and size. The new Tang Wing will also engage in strong dialogue with its surroundings, with features including an expanded Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden on the Wing’s fourth floor, and an additional outdoor terrace on the fifth floor that will provide year-round views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Revealing these designs marks an important and exciting milestone in this major, transformational project that has generated 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 twentieth- and twenty-first-century art, one that will be based in a broader global and trans-historical dialogue. I am grateful to Frida Escobedo and the many individuals involved in bringing this ambitious and important vision to life, and delighted to share these words of enthusiasm from others in our community:

“The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the crown jewels of New York City, an iconic cultural landmark representing New Yorkers to the rest of the world,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “By showcasing works of art created by new and established artists from all walks of life, the Tang Wing is a bold endeavor to expand our understanding of the role of art in New York’s culture and our society.”

“We are pleased to see this important project moving forward. This historic design by Frida Escobedo and commitment to accessibility in the new wing reflect the diversity and ambition of our city and will be beautifully integrated thanks to our partners at the Central Park Conservancy’s work on the surrounding landscape,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We congratulate The Met on this milestone, and we look forward to continuing to work with them and our partners across city government to further enhance this world-class destination for visitors of all backgrounds.”

“The reimagined Tang Wing will unlock exciting new ways for The Met’s millions of visitors to experience the Museum’s incredible collection and engage with a broad spectrum of contemporary voices,” added The Met’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairs 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 wider community.”

Oscar Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang commented, “Frida Escobedo has conceived a space that is as inimitable as the masterpieces that form The Met. The new wing demonstrates The Met’s commitment to presenting visual histories across time, geography, and cultures. We are pleased to help galvanize this landmark project.”

“I applaud The Metropolitan Museum of Art on this major milestone towards building the Tang Wing for modern and contemporary art,” said Laurie Cumbo, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. “Frida Escobedo is making HERstory as the first woman to design a wing of The Met in its history, and it's clear that special attention has been given to creating an extraordinary space that will portray works of art reflective of the diverse experiences of all New Yorkers and visitors to the Museum. The city is proud of its long partnership with The Met to foster an institution where the greatest artworks from across history and around the world are open and accessible to all, and this milestone marks another step in keeping with this longstanding commitment.”

“The design unveiled today by The Metropolitan Museum of Art makes its intention clear: the Tang Wing aims to reach millions of visitors from all corners of Manhattan and the world with its expanding collection of modern and contemporary art, including works from artists long underrepresented in the art world,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “From the Upper East Side to Washington Heights, the Museum’s offerings showcase the diverse mosaic of these Manhattan neighborhoods representative of our borough. I thank the Museum for its continued investment in Manhattan and in Manhattanites.”

“We have a strong, long-standing partnership with The Met, and we enthusiastically support their commitment and ambition to replace its Modern and Contemporary Art wing, which currently falls short of the high standards of the Museum. Max and his team have been receptive to our design and landscape input, and the changes they have made have 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,” said Betsy Smith, President & CEO, Central Park Conservancy.

“From the precious 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,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “New York has long been heralded for its cultural and artistic offerings, and this new chapter of the Museum’s history will further cement its contributions to a more inclusive art world and to our city.”

“The new Tang Wing will be a world-class addition to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, providing a unique platform to tell the diverse stories of artists throughout the 20th- and 21st-centuries,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I’m excited by the unveiled design by Frida Escobedo, whose vision will be on display for the entire world to see and enjoy. I congratulate The Metropolitan Museum of Art for reaching this historic milestone, and I look forward to visiting the new Tang Wing upon 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 vast collection while also creating community gathering spaces, so visitors, such as my Upper West Side constituents, can experience the Museum as an immersive, educational institution. I look forward to the continued dialogue between The Met and Community Boards, preservation groups, and City agencies,” stated Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

“The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an iconic member of our Upper East Side community, so it’s thrilling to see the Museum enter its next curatorial chapter for the benefit of all New Yorkers and the millions of visitors who come to our community every year to see its expansive art collection,” said Council Member Keith Powers.

Said Council Member Carlina Rivera, Chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries, “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 underscores New York City’s vibrant creativity and enduring commitment to the arts.”

Frida Escobedo, Founder and Principal of Frida Escobedo Studio, said, “Our goal has been to create a building that fully meets the needs and aspirations of The Met, weaving together vital connections between the Modern and Contemporary Art galleries and other areas of the Museum and at the same time expressing the special significance of the Tang Wing’s place in the city. The wing is in New York, yet of the world; it reflects the global nature of this great collection and also draws inspiration from The Met’s unique surroundings. Such an ambition can be realized only through close and consistent collaboration. We are deeply grateful to our extraordinary partners at The Met and to all the members of the expert design team.”

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, stated, “With its innovative architecture and dynamic layout, The Met’s Tang Wing promises to offer an engaging environment for experiencing a wide range of contemporary voices, including those who have been historically underrepresented. The thoughtful design reinforces the Museum’s commitment to expanding the stories told within its galleries and fostering 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 wellspring of creativity for artists like me, and Frida Escobedo beautifully continues that legacy through her brilliant design that draws inspiration, in part, from the Museum’s collection and existing architecture. I look forward to seeing the transformed wing brought to life, providing an enhanced platform for diverse artistic voices and perspectives to be seen and celebrated.”