Arts of Africa

Starting in May 2025, the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art will reveal an immersive reinterpretation of sub-Saharan African art. This exhibition, the result of a complete renovation, presents nearly 500 works dating from several millennia, offering an exceptional panorama of the continent’s artistic traditions. Creations ranging from the medieval period to the present day, of which one-fourth are being presented for the first time, highlight the work of masters such as Ọlọ́wẹ̀ and Abdoulaye Konaté. The exhibition explores the identity and heritage of the artists, emphasizing their biographies and techniques. Sculptures in wood, textiles, photographs, and works from commercial sites and African kingdoms are on display. The Wing’s architecture has been reimagined by Kulapat Yantrasast, and the exhibition is enriched with films produced in partnership with the World Monuments Fund, offering access to iconic sites in Africa. The event is free and runs until October 2026. Guided tours for visually impaired individuals are also available.