Michael C. Rockefeller Wing Reopens After $70M Renovation: A New Era for Global Art at The Met

New York, NY – The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art has officially reopened to the public following an extensive $70 million renovation, marking a transformative moment for the museum’s Arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania collections. The redesigned space, now more expansive and immersive than ever, showcases over 1,800 works—ranging from ancient terracotta figurines to towering Asmat funerary poles—in a setting that emphasizes cultural depth, artistic autonomy, and modern engagement.

A Bold Reimagining for a New Generation

The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO, Max Hollein, emphasized the significance of this renovation, stating:

“The complete renovation reflects the Met’s profound commitment to—and deep expertise in—caring for and expanding understandings of the works in the Museum’s collection. Together with our collaborative and community-based approach to curating these collections, the transformation of these galleries allows us to further advance the appreciation and contextualization of many of the world’s most significant cultures.”

Designed by WHY Architecture (led by Kulapat Yantrasast) in collaboration with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects LLP and the Met’s Design Department, the new wing offers a light-filled, open layout that allows each piece—whether a delicate ceramic or a monumental wooden sculpture—to command attention.

Key Features of the Redesigned Wing:

✔ Natural Light & Central Park Views – A custom sloped glass wall floods the Oceania gallery with daylight, enhancing the viewing experience.
✔ Digital Enhancements – Interactive screens provide deeper context on artworks, blending traditional curation with modern technology.
✔ New Acquisitions & Commissions – The wing now includes recently acquired African art and new Indigenous commissions from Oceania.
✔ Cultural Performances – The reopening festival features live music and dance from Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.

A Space That Honors Diversity & Distinction

Kulapat Yantrasast, whose past projects include the Speed Art Museum and ICA Los Angeles, highlighted the importance of discovery and connection in the redesign:

“We hope to highlight the diversity and distinction within these rich collections while providing a welcoming and memorable sense of place. Natural light and visual connections to Central Park are essential to the reimagined wing. Moments of discovery are so crucial when we design art spaces.”

The Rockefeller Wing was first conceived in 1969, bringing together Nelson Aldrich Rockefeller’s collection of non-Western and ancient American art—categories previously underrepresented at the Met. It officially opened in 1982, named in honor of Rockefeller’s son, Michael C. Rockefeller, a young anthropologist who tragically disappeared in New Guinea in 1961 at age 23. Among the wing’s most striking pieces are nine 15-foot-tall Asmat funerary poles, collected by Michael shortly before his death.

A New Chapter in Global Art Representation

Alisa LaGamma, the Curator in Charge of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, noted:

“While the creation of the wing asserted the place of the arts of sub-Saharan Africa, the ancient Americas, and Oceania in the world’s leading museum, the new edition underscores their autonomy from one another and foregrounds the artists responsible for those achievements.”

Laurie Cumbo, NYC’s Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, echoed this sentiment at the press preview:

“Every single culture should have a world-class, state-of-the-art space to highlight who they are.”

Plan Your Visit

The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing is now open to the public, with special performances and events scheduled throughout the reopening week. Whether you’re a longtime Met enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this reimagined space offers a fresh perspective on some of the world’s most extraordinary artistic traditions.

Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY
Hours: Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday: 10 AM–5 PM | Friday–Saturday: 10 AM–9 PM
Admission: Included with general Met entry

Why This Renovation Matters for Art Lovers

• Better Storytelling – Enhanced wall texts and digital tools provide richer historical context.
• More Inclusive Curation – Indigenous artists and contemporary voices are now integral to the display.
• Aesthetic Brilliance – The architecture itself is a work of art, blending nature, light, and culture.

Don’t miss this groundbreaking revival of one of The Met’s most culturally significant wings!

Catch up on the latest projects, trends, and bold ideas in the world of “architectural” content on ArchUp.