The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Neue Galerie New York are merging, creating a landmark partnership that will unite their collections and expand the Met's campus.
Major Benefactors Unite
Max Hollein, the Met's director and CEO, expressed his excitement about the merger, highlighting its significance. The Neue Galerie, founded by Ronald S. Lauder, boasts a significant collection of 20th-century Austrian and German art, including Gustav Klimt's renowned Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. The merger combines this collection with the Met's vast holdings, enhancing the museum's offerings.
Ronald Lauder, a key benefactor of the Met, has a long history of art collecting, particularly in German Expressionist and Viennese Secessionist works. His brother, Leonard Lauder, previously donated a major Cubist collection to the Met in 2013.
Expanding the Met's Campus
The merger will be formalized in 2028, coinciding with the Neue Galerie's 25th anniversary. It will expand the Met's campus to include the Neue Galerie's Beaux-Arts mansion on East 86th Street. Lauder's gift includes 13 additional works from his and Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer's collections.
Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer, Ronald's daughter, emphasized the personal connections involved in the merger. Hollein, born in Vienna, has been a trustee of the Neue Galerie for two decades, and his ties to both the institution and the Lauder family run deep.
Preserving Artistic Legacies
Lauder Zinterhofer, recently appointed as a Met trustee, shared fond memories of her father and his long-standing vision for the Neue Galerie. She recalled visits to Serge Sabarsky's gallery, where plans for the museum were first discussed. Despite the merger, the Neue Galerie will retain its identity as a standalone museum, preserving its unique atmosphere.
A Legacy for Future Generations
The timing of the merger aligns with Ronald Lauder's 82nd year and Aerin's new role on the Met's board. The family sees the Met's stewardship of the Cloisters as evidence of its commitment to maintaining the integrity of cultural institutions. Lauder Zinterhofer noted that her father remains deeply connected to the Neue Galerie and plans to continue welcoming visitors personally.
The merger ensures the Neue Galerie's future within the Met's extraordinary management framework, promising a sustained legacy for generations to come.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/metropolitan-museum-neue-galerie-aerin-lauder-max-hollein
