18/01/2012 | C. Martin
One of New York's most iconic museums has reopened one of its wings to the public, after a four-year closure for renovation.
The American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art has long been popular among tourists on tailor made luxury holidays to the USA, and houses a leading collection of works from the 18th to the 20th century.
The installation is set out within the 26 rooms of the wing, and makes use of the natural light from skylights in 18 of the galleries. The installations are set out chronologically across a single floor.
The wing has been undergoing restoration work for a decade, during which time $100 million (£65 million) has been spent on repairs and reconstruction.
Different parts of the museum have reopened throughout the three-part process, but the whole wing has not been reopened until now.
The American Wing's chairman, Morrison Heckscher, said: "The new galleries are so elegant, stately and serene that they almost make one speak in a whisper."
Copyright Press Association 2012