Curatorial Overhaul and Reopening of Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York is entering a new chapter with the reopening of its Michael C. Rockefeller wing, featuring a revitalized Sala de Arte de la Antigua América (Hall of Ancient American Art) under the direction of Mexican curator Laura Filloy Nadal and Joanne Pillsbury.
Collaboration with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Mexico
This collaboration with the INAH marks a significant step in showcasing Latin American art and culture, as well as highlighting the vast territorial reach of ancient American cultures. The reimagined hall now displays approximately 700 artifacts, including stone, wood, ceramic, metal, jadeite, and shell pieces, spanning from around 1200 BCE to the early 16th century, when European explorers arrived in the Americas.
Innovations and Cultural Sensitivity
The Met has introduced several museological innovations, such as naming ancient Maya stone carvers like Chakalte’ for the first time. Additionally, Filloy Nadal and Pillsbury have emphasized using the correct cultural names, such as mexica instead of azteca and ñuu savi for the mixtec people, acknowledging their living heritage in Mexico and New York City.
Engaging a Diverse Community
With over six million annual visitors, the Met plays a crucial role in serving New York’s cosmopolitan society, which has a high percentage of migrant population. The museum extends its hours weekly to accommodate diverse audiences and offers interactive maps, bilingual guides, and online resources to help migrants connect with their roots.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Laura Filloy Nadal? Laura Filloy Nadal is a Mexican curator and researcher affiliated with the INAH. She has worked on the integral study and restoration of Pakal ‘el Grande’s funerary mask in Mexico.
- What is the significance of this renovation? The renovation aims to present a more comprehensive and culturally sensitive representation of ancient American art, emphasizing the diversity and richness of these cultures.
- What innovations are introduced in this renovation? Innovations include naming ancient Maya stone carvers, using correct cultural names, and providing bilingual resources to engage a diverse audience.
- How does the Met cater to its diverse community? The Met extends weekly hours, offers bilingual guides, and provides online resources to help migrants connect with their cultural heritage.
