The Metropolitan Museum of Art Facade Mousepad

Description

Adapted from historical photographs and drawings in the Museum’s collection, the image on our mousepad highlights the impressive Fifth Avenue facade of The Metropolitan Museum of Art that spans four city blocks.

Non-slip rubber back. 10'' x 6 1/2''.

Art History

Since its original building opened to the public in 1880, the Museum has undertaken several major programs of expansion and remodeling to best exhibit its ever- growing collection. The structures along Fifth Avenue are additions to the Museum’s nineteenth-century core, which is set back in Central Park. Emphasizing symmetry and classical detailing, Richard Morris Hunt’s (American, 1827–1895) 1895 Beaux-Arts design includes the building seen at center, which still stands today as the Museum’s main entrance on Fifth Avenue. The north and south wings were designed by the firm of McKim, Mead and White as part of a comprehensive master plan, and were constructed in sections from 1906 to 1926. The image on the mousepad shows Hunt’s original front steps before the entrance and the entire front plaza were renovated in 1970.