On a Sunday afternoon, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art became a canvas for protest as pro-Palestine activists displayed a vast quilt calling for liberation and an end to the violence in Gaza. The quilt, a 30-by-50-foot tapestry created by 64 artists, was laid out across the museum’s grand staircase, serving as both an artistic statement and a political plea.
The colourful quilt, titled “From Occupation to Liberation,” was composed of squares bearing the green, black, and red hues of the Palestinian flag, each square a unique response to the theme of transitioning “from oppression to liberation, free Palestine.” Artists from around the globe contributed to the quilt, which incorporated elements of tatreez, traditional Palestinian embroidery, poppies symbolizing the nation, and a reference to Thomas Kilpper’s “Jenin Horse” sculpture, which was removed by the Israeli military.
In an act of remembrance and resistance, the quilt also paid tribute to Refaat Alareer, a poet who lost his life in an airstrike in Gaza in December. His verse, “If I must die/you must live/to tell my story…,” resonated with the protestors as they sought to amplify the voices and stories of those affected by the conflict.
The artist-led advocacy group Hope in the Art World spearheaded the creation of the quilt, while autonomous organizers arranged its presentation at the museum. An artist present at the event told ARTnews, “Unfurling the quilt felt like alchemy. It was an act of love and solidarity.” The demonstration extended beyond the quilt, with participants engaging in dabke, a traditional Levantine folk dance, and observing Ramadan with prayers and the distribution of iftar meals.
As visitors continued to access the museum, protestors distributed mock brochures titled “Dump the Fine Art of Imperialism,” which challenged the museum’s visitors to reconsider the cultural narratives perpetuated by institutions. The peaceful demonstration concluded without any arrests.
Hope in the Art World, in their statement, emphasized their alignment with the global movement for a ceasefire and Palestinian liberation, rejecting claims that equate their call for peace with antisemitism.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has not issued a response to the protest or the demands of the activists as of the time of reporting.
This demonstration follows a series of violent escalations in the region, with the October 7 Hamas attack leading to the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of over 200 hostages, many of whom have been released. Israeli retaliatory strikes and ground operations in Gaza have resulted in over 32,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the local health ministry. The World Health Organization recently warned of an imminent famine in northern Gaza, with catastrophic hunger levels affecting 30 per cent of the territory’s population.
The Met protest is part of a larger wave of actions at cultural institutions across New York City. Similar demonstrations have taken place inside the Museum of Modern Art, where cultural workers expressed their solidarity with Gaza, and outside the Brooklyn Museum, with custom-printed guides accusing certain board members of supporting the occupation through investments and lobbying.
As the international community grapples with the escalating humanitarian crisis, these activists continue to use the power of art and public demonstration to call for peace and justice in Palestine.