A vast new space on Fifth Avenue at the Met Museum’s doorstep was dedicated on Tuesday night with some fanfare and a bit of protest. The David H. Koch Plaza, named for the billionaire who funded the $65-million plaza renovation. now features 106 trees and two massive fountains with 48 jets in 70,706 square-feet along four city blocks.
Met director and CEO, Thomas Campbell remarked: “…the museum has created a truly welcoming point of entry, a cityscape that is environmentally friendly…”.
Protesters descended on the scene, decrying the naming of the plaza for Tea Party supporter Koch because of his views on climate change, as seen on Hyperallergic Instagram feed. Police dispersed the protesters.
The plaza, designed by Olin, opened to the public on Wed., Sept. 10.
