Obelisk and MET

Relationships between Obelisk and MET.

Generally Obelisk has close relationships with imperialism. Though the obelisk in central park was a present from the Khedive of Egypt, it can be considered a symbol of imperialism. Actually there are two Cleopatra's Needles in London and New York. These were given to super power countries because of the hope of cultivating trade relations of Khedive of Egypt. Most countries that have obelisks had those placed in plaza like Place de la Concorde in Paris, because they wanted to make the obelisk symbols of power at that time. So some people suggested the union square, Columbus circle or Grand Army Plaza for the needle in New York. However it was fortunately donated to MET in 1879 as a collection of a museum. The MET opened the doors to its new home in central park. The obelisk became a new collection of MET. By 1895 the relationship between the museum and obelisk was closer. The obelisk was not isolated from MET, Generally people who came the Met did not miss the obelisk because of the size and orientation of MET.

met and obelisk in 1880 first extension in 1895

In 1904 the second extension was completed. Its entrance was chanced. The main entrance was on the opposite side. This meant that the obelisk was isolated from people of Met.

second extension in 1904

Actually there was another design to make closer relationships between the MET and obelisk, but unfortunately it was not chosen.

McKim, Mead and white, 19o7 , new position of the obelisk

The obelisk was totally isolated from MET by 1990. Kelvin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associate completed the European Sculpture court that has huge window to see outside. This sixth extension(the last) tried to make visual connection from Met to the obelisk, but most people who came to the MET did not recognize the obelisk. Even though people who came the European Sculpture court missed it. In 1986 the site of obelisk relandscaped and repaved. The site became higher than before according to the extension of Met. In the end, it was isolated from people on main pass way in central park. Actually most people don’t recognize the obelisk.

after the fourth extension in 1930. afterthe final extension in 1991

1.The obelisk should not a symbol of imperialism.
2. Because it is one of exhibitions of the MET, it should not be isolated from MET. Also physical connection is needed.
3. The obelisk is isolated from people in central park, because of its higher level The position of the obelisk was based on the MET in 1880. The MET had become 20 times lager than before. So its poison should consider the current situations.

4.no technical problem: the obelisk has not deep foundations

foundation in 1880 base of obelisk

no self foundation

BASED ON THESE BOOKS

1.THE NEW YORK OBELISK, THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM
2.THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART AN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY, MIMA