In its 151 years, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has known both great accomplishments and profound challenges: Founded on the heels of the Civil War, The Met has endured the 1918 pandemic, world wars, financial crises, and September 11. Our relationship to great historical moments has never been felt as keenly as it has this past year, from March 2020 to March 2021—a period when The Met, along with the city, the nation, and the world, was forever changed by three intersecting crises: the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread economic downturn, and the movement for social and racial justice.
On the occasion of this one-year anniversary, we feel called to reflect not only on how we have met this moment—valiantly, humbly, and with purpose—but also on the importance of our mission and how we can continue to evolve. While the road ahead will still have its challenges, we have ambitious plans for the future and are inspired by what the past year has made so evident: the extraordinary importance of the Museum in our time and for our many audiences around the world, and the power of art to comfort, inspire, and excite us; bring us together; foster understanding and compassion; and enlighten our lives, even in the most difficult moments.
To mark the occasion, we have prepared a brief report—reflections on the challenges faced during the year and some of the activities and achievements, as well as thoughts on what we think will be important going forward. We hope it provides you with a glimpse inside The Met at this historic moment in time along with a sense of the gratitude we feel for all who are part of The Met community.
