NEW YORK, NY.- The Metropolitan Museum of Art published a report, “A Year of Mission and Challenges,” that reflects on the historic and lasting impact of the past year and describes how the institution is continuing to navigate an unprecedented time for the Museum, the arts community, New York City, and the world. The report comes as The Met approaches the one-year anniversary of the day it closed to the public, on March 13, 2020, amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in New York. (The Museum reopened on August 29 with increased health and safety measures, and has since remained open.)

Daniel H. Weiss, President and CEO of The Met, said, “In the past year, we have all experienced the devastating toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing global financial crisis, and the movement for long overdue social and racial justice. We have also seen just how much this Museum—and the incredible examples of culture and creativity one encounters here—means to people, from those who visit regularly to those who are engaging remotely. The struggles of our current time are far from over, but it is important for The Met to reflect on how we can continue to evolve, and express gratitude to our staff and supporters who continue to propel us forward. More than ever, we remain committed to our mission to connect audiences to creativity and knowledge, to preserve the institution in perpetuity, and to be good citizens and exemplary leaders in our current times.”

Max Hollein, Marina Kellen French Director of The Met, said, “Since reopening The Met’s doors last August after over five months of closure, we have heard countless visitors express how important it is to reconnect with their favorite artworks and spaces in the Museum. While none of us can predict the exact road ahead, we are ensuring that The Met continues to be a beloved source of comfort, inspiration, and excitement for both our local audiences and those around the globe.”

The report can be downloaded from The Met’s website here. Among the topics covered are the Museum’s ever-growing virtual and social media offerings experienced by millions around the world; the progress on commitments to becoming ever more inclusive, equitable, fair, and accessible; the implementation of health and safety protocols; the collaboration with the NYC Museums Reopening Task Force; the support from elected officials; the refreshed engagement with the Museum’s local, New York audience; and more.

The report also features a number of The Met’s current and upcoming programs and exhibitions. Current exhibitions include Goya's Graphic Imagination (through May 2, 2021), Arte del mar: Artistic Exchange in the Caribbean (through June 27, 2021), The Facade Commission: Carol Bove, The séances aren’t helping (through November 2021), and A New Look at Old Masters (through Spring 2022). Upcoming exhibitions include Alice Neel: People Come First (March 22–August 1, 2021), The Roof Garden Commission: Alex Da Corte, As Long as the Sun Lasts (April 16–October 31, 2021), The Medici: Portraits and Politics, 1512–1570 (June 26–October 11, 2021), and The New Woman Behind the Camera (June 29–October 3, 2021).