Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, announced today that David Chipperfield Architects (DCA) has been selected to develop a new design for the Southwest Wing for modern and contemporary art, and potentially for adjacent galleries for the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, as well as additional operational spaces.
The announcement followed a year-long research and selection process led by a committee of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. The committee’s recommendation was approved by a vote of the full Board on March 10. In making the announcement, Mr. Campbell said: “We based the final selection of an architect on three criteria: vision, experience, and compatibility.
David Chipperfield’s global architectural experience and sensibility, along with his commitment to the collaborative aspect of creating architecture, make him a perfect partner on this milestone project. His museum projects are brilliantly coherent, elegant, and accessible—from the Neues Museum in Berlin to Museo Jumex in Mexico City, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and The Hepworth in Wakefield, England.”
“The project will run concurrent with the Met’s installations in the Marcel Breuer-designed building that formerly housed the Whitney, allowing us to regenerate our permanent spaces in the Met’s main building while maintaining a vibrant program for modern and contemporary art just blocks away.”
Part of a comprehensive long-term plan to support and enhance the Museum’s ongoing vitality, the renovation and redesign will enhance gallery configuration and visitor navigation throughout the Southwest Wing, and support a more open dialogue between the Museum and Central Park.
The project will increase gallery space for the collection, double the size of the Roof Garden, and create accessible on-site storage. Work on the wing will coincide with the Met’s programming in the Marcel Breuer-designed building that formerly housed the Whitney Museum of American Art. The programming will launch in spring 2016.
David Chipperfield commented: “We are delighted to have been selected for this extraordinary commission. During the competition we developed an understanding and fondness for this amazing institution and we look forward to working with Tom Campbell and his colleagues on the development of the design.”
David Chipperfield and his team will begin work immediately on developing the scope for the redesign, working closely with Mr. Campbell and his internal management team, with oversight by the Trustees. This initial phase of internal review is expected to take several months, followed by a comprehensive presentation process to all community stakeholders and relevant city agencies. All necessary approvals and other legal requirements will be obtained and completed before any construction is initiated. Source by Metropolitan Museum of Art.