“Today’s announcement is an unfortunate reflection of the challenging economic circumstances that museums throughout the country have been facing in recent years,” Mayor Ashley Swearengin said, according to a press release.
“The Met’s patrons, supporters and staff deserve our sincere appreciation for the critical role they have played in our City’s cultural landscape since the 1980s. The Met was a catalyst in our community and made a real difference in the lives of so many of our residents.
The museum announced on Tuesday the closing of its doors indefinitely, effective immediately.
The mayor added, “I appreciate that Met officials have been working with the City on an orderly transition that will allow us to stay focused on three important: areas: (1) leasing the building, (2) securing long-term financing using New Market Tax Credits, and (3) pursuing the longer-term development of the block in a manner consistent with the concept of the Cultural Arts District. We are making progress on all three fronts.”
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