An Africa-Themed MET GALA? New Chief Mark Rollein Speaks
By Oyiza Adaba, new york
The Met Fifth Avenue, New York. Photo Africa-Related
Max Hollein, Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, recently hosted members of The NY Foreign Press Center to a breakfast tour, and answered the burning question on every African fashionista’s mind.
Members of The NY Foreign Press Center at The MET briefing with Director Max Hollein. Photo Africa-Rleated
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the United States’ leading cultural institutions which boasts “over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy”, recently gave an exclusive opportunity for members of the Foreign Press to sit down with its Director and Chief Executive Officer Max Hollein to learn their latest news from the Met.
In the Q&A session that followed his remarks, Mr Holllein provided insights on his vision for The Met’s future and the role of a universal museum in the 21st century, and updates on the museum’s priorities, including new cultural property initiatives; post-COVID attendance/revenue recovery; efforts to address issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across themuseum’s collection, programming, and staff; the Museum’s $2B capital projects program, and a look ahead to upcoming exhibitions and events.
Questions from the international press centered around national interests and engagements opportunities, as well as reparations and returns of artworks with controversial aquisistion histories. Mr Hollein explained that The Met has doubled its efforts in protecting global heritage by streamlining its acquisition process with rigorous factchecking mechanisms that will serve both past and future purchases.
Max Rollein spekas on an Africa-themed MET Gala
THE MET GALA 2024
Theme: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” Photo: Met Gala®
The Costume Institute Benefit, also known as The Met Gala®, will take place on May 6 2024. Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion is the 2024 theme that will explore notions of rebirth and renewal, using nature as a metaphor for the impermanence of fashion
Exhibition Dates: May 10–September 2, 2024
Exhibition Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Tisch Galleries, Gallery 899, Floor 2