A NEW HORIZON AHEAD AT THE MET MUSEUM

Yesterday’s announcement that French-born, Philippe de Montebello would be stepping down as director of the Metropolitan Museum came as no surprise to those close to him, but for those of us – ourselves included – who’d only had the pleasure of meeting once, are sad to hear of his year-end departure or when a successor is named.

Exterior view main entrance overlooking Fifth Avenue of the Metropolitan Museum, circa Nov 2007.

During his tenure, significant noticeable change or “evolution” within the walls of this institution, as he’s dubbed it have taken place spanning over 3 decades. Where on the planet can you possibly view works from virtually every culture/nation on the planet to the extent that Mr. Montebello has strived?

The Metropolitan in our eyes has the capacity, collection of works and ambition which make it one of our top, top favorite cultural institutions on the globe. We hope a successor with similar mind-set and sentiment to global cultures will follow suit.

Until then, every month, more and more works are added. AP had just recently reported that as of today, the Met has on display the most works in-house than it has for decades, given fewer items are on loan and more works are being added to its permanent collection.

View taken just before closing from the Second Floor Musical Instruments wing, overlooking the Arms and Armour exhibit below, permanent collection after our dinner and walk for the evening. 9Jan08

Overlooking European Sculptures and Decorative Arts below. 9Jan08