Metropolitan Museum postpones new wing by David Chipperfield due to financial crisis

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has indefinitely postponed the construction of a new wing dedicated to modern and contemporary art, originally planned to open in 2020 for the museum's 150th anniversary. The project, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, was set to begin in spring 2017 but has been delayed as part of a financial restructuring plan to address a $10 million deficit that has affected the museum since April 2016. Under the leadership of president Daniel H. Weiss and director Thomas P. Campbell, the Met has implemented cost-cutting measures including staff reductions, a scaled-back exhibition program, and the suspension of several projects. The new wing would have increased contemporary art space, partially demolishing the existing Wallace Wing built in 1987 for $26 million, and doubled the size of the roof garden, creating an entrance from Central Park and redesigning storage and operational areas. Other confirmed projects include replacing skylights and roofing over European painting galleries, starting in 2018 and lasting about four years. Campbell expressed satisfaction with the financial recovery efforts, aiming to balance the budget by 2020. The museum has already completed a new plaza in front of its facade.