The Metropolitan Museum of Art has unveiled the design for its expanded Tang Wing, marking a historic moment as it becomes the first wing in the museum’s 154-year history designed by a woman, Mexican architect Frida Escobedo. The project will significantly renovate and expand the museum’s modern and contemporary art galleries.
A Landmark Expansion
The new wing, largely funded by Oscar L. Tang and Agnes Hsu-Tang, is set to increase gallery space by 50%, offering a fresh perspective on how art is displayed within the museum. Located in the southwest corner of the 21-building complex, the redesign will integrate seamlessly with the museum’s existing architecture while addressing modern accessibility and functional needs.
“Our goal has been to create a building that fully meets the needs and aspirations of The Met,” said Escobedo. “It weaves together vital connections between the Modern and Contemporary Art galleries and other areas of the Museum, while also 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 draws inspiration from The Met’s unique surroundings.”
Design Highlights
The updated wing will feature a five-tiered structure wrapped in a limestone architectural screen, with large, strategically placed rectangular windows to minimize solar gain and protect the artwork inside. Outdoor terraces and gardens will crown the fourth and fifth floors, enhancing visitors’ experience and blending the design with the adjacent Central Park landscape.
Inside, ceiling heights will range from 11 to 22 feet (3.3 to 6.7 meters), accommodating both small and large-scale works. Enhanced circulation routes, additional elevators, and more entry points will improve accessibility throughout the space, addressing long-standing logistical challenges.
A Nod to History
Escobedo’s design pays homage to The Met’s architectural legacy, referencing the limestone and glass aesthetic of previous expansions by firms like Roche Dinkeloo. The setbacks in the design echo the 1971 master plan by Kevin Roche, which emphasized a rhythm of solids and voids.
The limestone façade, described as a “celosía” or lattice screen, integrates Escobedo’s contemporary vision with the museum’s historic character. “The scaled façade takes its cues from the Roche Dinkeloo visionary 1971 master plan, which calls for a rhythm of solids and voids,” explained The Met.
Looking Ahead
The expanded Tang Wing is slated to open in 2030, signaling a new chapter for The Met’s modern and contemporary art collections. This announcement follows Escobedo’s selection for the project in 2022, after the museum shelved a previous design by David Chipperfield Architects due to budget constraints.
The unveiling coincides with other notable developments at The Met, including its Sleeping Beauties exhibition, which spans four centuries of fashion, and the addition of an interactive children’s space designed by KOKO Architecture.