The Met is about to make history with the Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing.
The NYC museum’s new five-story undertaking, a $550 million endeavor, will create more than 70,000 additional square feet to house modern and contemporary 20th- and 21st-century art. While we can’t wait to peruse the gorgeous collections to come, the wing itself will be a work of art, courtesy of architect Frida Escobedo. Not only is she the youngest architect to work at the Met, but she’ll be the first female to do so in the institution’s 154-year history.
“Frida Escobedo’s extraordinarily inspired, deeply thoughtful, and dynamic design for the Tang Wing cements her standing as one of today’s most relevant architects,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Escobedo began her career in Mexico in 2006. Now, the multi-award-winning architect is known for reimagining urban spaces, particularly housing complexes, hotels, and art centers. The Upper East Side attraction, however, isn’t the only high-profile project on her résumé: Escobedo also designed the annual Serpentine Pavilion in London’s Kensington Gardens nearly seven years ago, becoming the youngest person to do so.
Per the museum’s release, “the scaled facade takes its cues from the Roche Dinkeloo visionary 1971 master plan, which calls for a rhythm of solids and voids, as exemplified through the use of glass and limestone.” Though modern, it will pay homage to the powerhouse that preceded it.
Hollein added, “Escobedo’s elegant, contemporary design reflects not only an understanding of architectural history, materiality, and artistic expression but also a deep appreciation for The Met’s mission, collection, and visitors.”
The construction process will get underway next year to prepare for the 2030 opening. Until then, peruse the best exhibits in NYC currently on display. For more on the forthcoming wing, visit the Met’s website.