Metropolitan Musem of Art Finally Plans New Fifth Ave Plaza
Wednesday, February 8, 2012, by Sara Polsky
"The crowded and, well, blah plaza outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art is headed for a makeover, now that museum trustee and philanthropist David H. Koch has promised $60 million for the project. The Times has the details on the redo, which could begin this fall if various city departments give the thumbs-up. The plan from Philly-based firm OLIN involves smaller fountains—"programmed by computer to provide a variety of water patterns during the warm months"—which will become reflecting pools in winter. The revamped plaza will have double the current number of trees, including some topiaries; benches and retractable parasols; bronze kiosks for information and food; spots for street vendors; and night-time LED lighting. That all sounds fun, and the rendering above gives only a partial view."