“NEW” Greek and Roman Galleries; Blurb 1
Out of curiosity (or rather beckoned by the numerous signs around area), I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a glimpse of the newly renovated Greek and Roman Galleries. The 15-year project opens up with its signature hallway – gleaming statues stand illuminated by natural light via the glass ceiling. Rooms opened on either sides display smaller, but equally as beautiful, works of art. Further down the hallway, visitors are met with an enormous column from the Temple of Artemis at Sardis. Standing almost twice the height of the average full-grown man, the column is simply mind-blowing and even I, like many other visitors, couldn’t resist the urge in snapping a few pictures. However, the real treat of the renovation lies behind the enormous column – a beautiful sunlit two-story courtyard decorated with never before seen sculptures. A simple fountain, benches, natural light from the sunroof and the dark marble on the floor highlight the sculptures, providing a beautiful environment in which one can study the sculpture. The trip to the mezzanine comes with surprising elevator service and features a display of exquisite Etruscan art. The most interesting note is that all of the pieces upstairs are held in large glass cases with at first what seems to be a complete lack of information panels and tags. Instead, the Met has invested in a state-of-the-art set of computers (along the side of the room) that allow you to locate a piece of art by cabinet, level and position. The newly renovated gallery devoted to Greek and Roman art is a real treat for admirers of art from antiquity and even if you don’t happen to have an interest in the physical artwork, the environment that has been created is fantastic place to rest up. Pictures? If so,
