The Met Unveils New $3M Public Study Room On The UES

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — The Metropolitan Museum of Art has reopened the redesigned Nolen Study Room in its Thomas J. Watson Library, unveiling a revamped public research space intended to better serve scholars, students and museum visitors.

The renovated 1,000-square-foot study room reopened Tuesday following a $3,000,000 redesign by New York- and Los Angeles-based architecture and design firm Young & Ayata.

Located inside the museum's Thomas J. Watson Library, the Nolen Study Room houses approximately 5,000 books reflecting the breadth of The Met's collections.

Visitors can now browse the volumes on open shelving, while the redesigned space can also be reconfigured for classes, presentations, seminars and other public programs.

"We are delighted to reopen our beloved Watson Library and newly redesigned Nolen Study Room," Max Hollein, The Met's Marina Kellen French Director and CEO, said. "The space has been reimagined to better serve and welcome researchers to the library from New York and around the world."

The Nolen Study Room replaces the library's former Periodical Room and is part of a broader effort to modernize the facility while preserving its mid-century character.

The project included a redesigned circulation desk and architectural features that incorporate original wood shelving repurposed into decorative wall panels inspired by traditional paper marbling.

Ken Soehner, The Met's Arthur K. Watson Chief Librarian, said the renovation reflects the institution's commitment to future generations of researchers.

"The renovation and design project is an exceptional opportunity for the library," Soehner said. "The plans evoke optimism for the future and reflect our commitment to providing a more welcoming, comfortable and inspiring environment for library researchers and staff for generations to come."

Watson Library, which opened in 1965, is one of the world's most comprehensive art libraries, containing more than one million volumes.

Its holdings span all areas represented in The Met's collections, with books dating from the late 15th century through current scholarship. The library added more than 15,000 titles in 65 languages last year alone.

The library is located on the museum's first floor and is open to researchers, students and members of the public.

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