The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Neue Galerie have announced a merger agreement for 2028, bringing together the Austrian and German art collection from the 20th century. Ronald S. Lauder will donate important works.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Neue Galerie, founded by Ronald S. Lauder, have announced a historic merger that will take place in 2028. This merger will bring together the most important collection of Austrian and German art from the 20th century outside Europe under a single institution. The Neue Galerie collection includes iconic works by artists such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Lauder and his daughter, Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer, will donate 13 significant works from their personal collection, including the portrait "Die Tänzerin" by Klimt. The merger will preserve the legacy of the Neue Galerie, and the building will be renamed The Met Ronald S. Lauder Neue Galerie. It will continue to exhibit works, organize programs, and welcome visitors. The Neue Galerie will temporarily close for renovations in 2026 but will reopen with an anniversary exhibition. The Met, founded in 1870, remains a leader in art education and accessibility.