The Metropolitan Museum of Art Marks Official Reopening of Transformed Michael C. Rockefeller Wing with Ribbon Cutting

(New York, May 31, 2025)—Today, The Metropolitan Museum of Art officially reopened The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing for the Museum’s collections of the Arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests were greeted by performances from Real De Mexico in the Great Hall and by Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation (ASASE) in The Met’s Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court where the event was held. Marques Marzan opened the program with a Hawaiian Ōlelo chant, followed by remarks by Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO, Curator in Charge of The Michael C Rockefeller Wing Alisa LaGamma, The Met’s co-chair of the board Candace Beinecke, Department of Citywide Administration Services Commissioner Louis Molina, Council Member Gale Brewer, Council Member Keith Powers, and State Senator Jose Serrano. The event concluded with a performance by ASASE and guests were invited to the reimagined wing for the ribbon cutting and viewing.

“It is with great joy that The Met officially reopens the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing,” said The Met’s Director and CEO Max Hollein. “Today we celebrate art traditions from around the globe coming together in New York, one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant cities. We are grateful to New York City for its support of this reimagined wing which is now on view for New Yorkers and beyond for generations to come.”

“With the opening of the Met Museum’s renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, the arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania have the extraordinary home they deserve,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “This city is proud of its support for this historic project, which has invested tremendous care, thoughtfulness, and collaboration into the redesign of galleries that house incredible, transcendent works of art from across history and cultures. Now, the museum’s millions of annual visitors can see these collections in a whole new light, and be inspired by the artistry, vision, and stories that are captured by the exhibitions within. We congratulate everyone who worked to bring this project to life, and encourage all New Yorkers to come see it for themselves.”

“DCAS is proud to have supported the Met’s renovation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing with nearly $23 million in funding, helping deliver critical energy efficiency upgrades that will reduce emissions and protect our climate,” said NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “This project is a powerful example of how city government, cultural institutions, and sustainability goals can align to create lasting impact. We’re honored to be part of this transformative effort and look forward to seeing this space inspire generations to come.”

Council Member Gale Brewer added, “The newly reimagined Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Met is a triumph—not only of design and scholarship, but of cultural respect and inclusion. This renovation elevates the arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania to their rightful place in the global narrative of human creativity. As a proud supporter of our city’s cultural institutions, I celebrate The Met’s commitment to expanding understanding, showcasing Indigenous voices, and creating a museum experience that reflects the diversity of New York City and the world.”

The transformation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing will showcase extensive collections, artifacts and works that span five continents and trace thousands of years of history,” said Council Member Keith Powers. “These newly renovated galleries allow for further engagement with the rich history displayed at the Met. I’m proud to support the stunning new wing, and I look forward to these collections being once again available to New Yorkers and the world.”

“The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Michael C. Rockefeller Wing houses historic collections of art and artifacts that span thousands of years across continents,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The City Council is proud to invest millions of dollars in capital funding for the Met in recent years that has enabled this important renovation, allowing the Rockefeller Wing to better utilize its existing footprint. Our vital institutions make New York City the cultural capital of the world, and the Council will continue to champion funding to support the vibrancy of our arts and cultural sector."

State Senator Jose Serrano remarked, “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I firmly believe the arts and culture are transformative, providing countless opportunities for education, discussion, and exploration. The reopening of Michael C. Rockefeller Wing will help ensure an even more meaningful experience for visitors to the galleries dedicated to the Arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania. I congratulate The Metropolitan Museum of Art for completion of this important project.”

Following the ceremony, The Met commemorated the public opening a daylong celebration for the new wing including special programs and art-making activities for all ages, performances reflecting the arts and cultures of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania, film screenings, artist demonstrations and workshops, and food experiences, as well as the opportunity to explore the new galleries.

For more information about the wing, visit The Met’s website.

###

May 31, 2025