New Digs for Met's Greek and Roman Collection

Work in Progress: The Met's Leon Levy and Shelby White Court

With a floor inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and a new expansive skylight above, the Metropolitan Museum is nearing completion of its new galleries for Greek and Roman art. About one-third of the museum's collection was formerly on display; about one-half will be shown when the new galleries open in April, according to Christopher Lightfoot, associate curator.

Above is the view that was afforded to the press today. (We were not able to wander inside.) At the far end is a new mezzanine gallery, where executive offices used to be. It will showcase the Met's celebrated Etruscan chariot, newly restored and returning to permanent public view for the first time since the early 1990s.

This will complete the museum's Greek and Roman master plan, launched in the early 1990s. An image of what the Levy and White courtyard should look like when completed is here. It will house the largest selection of Hellenistic and Roman sculpture ever shown at the Met. What you don't see in either photo is the impressive lifesize Hellenistic male statue from the Leon Levy and Shelby White Collection that greets you as you enter the space. No provenance problems with that piece, Lightfoot assured quizzical reporters.