The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has unveiled the initial visual representations of its revamped wing dedicated to modern and contemporary art. This ambitious $550-million project, which encompasses approximately 126,000 square feet, is the brainchild of architect Frida Escobedo. Notably, she is the first woman to be entrusted with the design of a wing at the museum, marking a significant milestone in its 154-year history. The construction of the Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, named in honor of the generous donors who contributed $125 million to the initiative, is slated to commence in 2026, with completion anticipated by 2030.

Max Hollein, the Met's director and chief executive, praised Escobedo's design in a statement, saying, "Frida Escobedo's extraordinarily inspired, deeply thoughtful, and dynamic design for the Tang Wing solidifies her position as one of the most relevant architects of our time." He further elaborated that her "elegant, contemporary design not only demonstrates an understanding of architectural history, materiality, and artistic expression but also a profound appreciation for the Met's mission, collection, and visitors."

Escobedo's renovation of the museum's modern and contemporary art wing, located in the southwest corner of the Central Park complex, will not increase the museum's physical footprint but will significantly expand the exhibition space by nearly 50%. This enhancement will raise the total gallery areas to approximately 71,000 square feet. The design features a stepped, angular facade with limestone latticework, which, according to the architect's studio, "draws inspiration from the 'celosía'—a traditional Mexican breeze wall with deep historical roots in Spanish, Middle Eastern, and African architectural traditions."

The design also incorporates 18,500 square feet of outdoor terraces on the fourth and fifth floors of the wing. A representative from Escobedo's studio explained in a statement, "The wing will consist of a three-story base supporting recessed fourth and fifth floors. On the fourth floor, a combination of exhibition galleries and a terrace will display commissioned contemporary artworks, mirroring the purpose of the existing rooftop terrace. The fifth floor will be dedicated to temporary exhibitions, an additional landscaped terrace, and spaces for reflection and community gathering, offering unparalleled views of Central Park and New York City."

As of May of this year, the Met has secured $550 million in private donations for the project. In addition to Escobedo's firm, the project team includes executive architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, and engineering firms Kohler Ronan and Thornton Tomasetti. The building is set to incorporate several environmentally friendly features, such as controlled daylight, on-site stormwater retention, a green roof, and improved thermal performance, and will aim for LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.

Artist and Met trustee Jordan Casteel commented in a statement, "The Met has long been a wellspring of creativity for artists like me, and Frida Escobedo beautifully continues that legacy with her brilliant design, which draws inspiration, in part, from the museum's collection and existing architecture. I look forward to seeing the transformed wing come to life, providing an enhanced platform for diverse artistic voices and perspectives to be seen and celebrated."

The Tang Wing project is the most significant, but not the only, capital project currently in progress or planned at the Met's Central Park campus. The museum is nearing completion of a $70-million upgrade of its Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, which houses galleries for African, ancient American, and Oceanic art. Last year, the museum also announced plans to convert one of its most prominent retail spaces into additional gallery space for its Costume Institute, which organizes highly popular fashion exhibitions. Furthermore, the Met has recently completed a rehang of its American Wing to celebrate its centennial and the establishment of a new interactive learning center.