The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Fifth Avenue facade now features a new art installation by acclaimed artist Jeffrey Gibson. Titled 'The Animal That Therefore I Am,' the work includes four monumental bronze sculptures depicting native New York animals: a hawk, a squirrel, a coyote, and a deer. These 10-foot figures are placed in the niches above the museum's iconic steps, offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between urban life and the natural world.
Key Takeaways
- Jeffrey Gibson's 'The Animal That Therefore I Am' is now on display at The Met.
- The installation features four 10-foot bronze sculptures of animals native to New York.
- It is part of The Met’s Genesis Facade Commission and Gibson's first monumental bronze work.
- The art explores the coexistence of nature and the urban environment.
- The sculptures will remain on view through June 9, 2026.
New Art on an Iconic Facade
The Fifth Avenue entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks. It serves as a backdrop for countless photographs and public gatherings. This month, the stone colonnade has been transformed by a new artistic presence. Four bronze sculptures now stand prominently in the architectural niches.
Each sculpture represents an animal commonly found in New York. The hawk, squirrel, coyote, and deer are rendered in significant scale. Their placement suggests a long-standing connection to the site, as if they have always been part of the museum's grand entrance. This installation marks a notable shift for the famous facade.
Fast Fact
The Met's Fifth Avenue facade is a popular spot, attracting millions of visitors annually. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, solidifying its status as a cultural icon.
Artist Jeffrey Gibson's Vision
Jeffrey Gibson, a celebrated artist, created this new work. He recently represented the United States at the Venice Biennale, a major international art exhibition. 'The Animal That Therefore I Am' is part of The Met's Genesis Facade Commission, a program designed to bring new public art to the museum's exterior.
This project is significant as it marks Gibson's first venture into monumental bronze sculpture. His previous works often involve diverse materials and vibrant patterns. For this installation, he chose animals that are indigenous to the New York region. These are creatures that city residents might encounter in parks, suburban areas, or even unexpected urban settings.
“Jeffrey Gibson is one of the most remarkable artists of his generation and a pioneering figure within the field of native and Indigenous art,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s director and CEO. “These new works are based on his signature use of unconventional materials and reimagined forms, employing them to explore often-overlooked histories and the natural world.”
Exploring Nature in the City
Gibson's selection of these animals is not arbitrary. By elevating them to a monumental scale, he highlights the often-unseen relationship between a bustling metropolis and its natural inhabitants. The sculptures prompt viewers to consider how wildlife coexists with urban development, often in challenging ways. This theme resonates deeply in a city like New York, where green spaces are vital but limited.
According to The Met, the installation aims to underscore the idea that New York is more than just concrete and steel. It is also a habitat for a variety of species. Hawks fly over public parks, deer venture into residential areas, coyotes have been sighted in large urban parks, and squirrels are ubiquitous across the city. The bronze figures serve as a powerful reminder of this interconnectedness.
Background on The Met's Commissions
The Metropolitan Museum of Art regularly commissions artists to create site-specific installations. These commissions often engage with the museum's architecture or its extensive collections, bringing contemporary perspectives to historical spaces. The Genesis Facade Commission specifically focuses on transforming the museum's exterior, making art accessible to a wider public.
Indigenous Influences and Abstract Design
Jeffrey Gibson is a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and is also of Cherokee descent. His artistic practice frequently merges Indigenous visual traditions with modern abstract forms. In 'The Animal That Therefore I Am,' he has incorporated abstract patterns onto the animal sculptures. These designs evoke traditional beadwork and textile art.
The surfaces of the bronze sculptures are rich with color and texture. This intricate detailing creates a dialogue between traditional motifs and the neoclassical architecture of the museum's facade. It represents a deliberate blending of different histories, materials, and cultural viewpoints. The artwork challenges conventional notions of public art and monumentality.
David Breslin, The Met's curator in charge of modern and contemporary art, offered his perspective on Gibson's work. “Jeffrey Gibson is an artist brilliantly attuned to the varieties of life that our world holds—the human, the animal, the land itself. His art vibrates and bristles with that life.” This quote emphasizes the artist's ability to capture the essence of living forms and their environments.
Public Engagement and Duration
The installation invites public interaction and reflection. Visitors approaching the museum will encounter these powerful figures, which encourage a pause for thought about the environment. The sculptures transform the museum steps into a space that acknowledges New York's natural heritage.
The exhibition of 'The Animal That Therefore I Am' is scheduled to run for an extended period. The bronze sculptures will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Fifth Avenue facade through June 9, 2026. This allows ample opportunity for both local residents and tourists to experience Gibson's innovative work and its message about nature in the urban landscape.
- Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Fifth Avenue entrance
- Artist: Jeffrey Gibson
- Title: 'The Animal That Therefore I Am'
- Animals Depicted: Hawk, Squirrel, Coyote, Deer
- Material: Bronze
- Duration: On view through June 9, 2026