A New Chapter in the Cultural Life of New York City

Housed in the landmark building designed by Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer in 1966, The Met Breuer represents an exciting new chapter in the cultural life of New York City. Here, visitors can experience modern and contemporary art in a thoroughly unique way: through the lens of a historical collection that reflects visual expression across cultures—The Met’s 5,000 years of art from every corner of the world.

For Sheena Wagstaff, the Leonard A. Lauder Chairman of the Museum’s Department of Modern and Contemporary Art, the launch of The Met Breuer is also a chance to honor the history of an iconic building. “It is a privilege to program Breuer’s masterfully conceived spaces and consider new ways for audiences to experience the interplay between art and architecture within this incomparable setting,” she says. “At The Met Breuer, we are
embracing the significance of Breuer’s building to the cultural landscape of our city as we infuse it with a different curatorial spirit.”

“For our inaugural season,” she continues, “we have dug deeply into our own collection as well as created partnerships with other leading institutions to stimulate new scholarship and explore themes that stretch across history and art forms. One of our goals is to present thoughtful exhibitions that posit a broader meaning of modernism across vast geographies. Great works of art can transcend both time and place, and our program at
The Met Breuer will powerfully demonstrate that potential.”

The exhibition Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible features works by some of the greatest artists of all time, from the Renaissance to the present day. Nasreen Mohamedi is the largest exhibition to date dedicated to the Indian modernist whose singular aesthetic approach made her one of the most significant artists of her generation. In July, rarely seen early photographs by Diane Arbus will go on view, and in October the first major survey in the United States of Kerry James Marshall will be staged.

The Met Breuer’s first season will also include performances and installations by musician Vijay Iyer, an artist in residence, as well as other contemporary performing art works.

Become a member today and experience all 5,000 years of art from every corner of
the world while enjoying year-round benefits. Visit metmuseum.org to plan your visit and learn more.