The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Wrightsman Galleries
New York, New York


As part of the renovation to the The Wrightsman Galleries, Auerbach Glasow French provided architectural lighting design to dramatically transform the rooms from lifeless museum displays into atmospheric environments. The galleries house the museum’s renowned collection of French furniture and decorative arts.

The project included the De Tessé Room, the Cabris Room, the Paar Room, the Varengeville Room, the Bordeaux Room, and the Crillon Room. Each room’s character is slightly different. Visual hierarchy/balance, shadow, color temperature, sparkle, time of day and place are conceptually woven into the lighting. Within that context the spectacular objects on display must be revealed, within strict conservation limits, in all their glory. Period historic chandeliers, torchères and sconces were sensitively rewired, internal lighting was refurbished and candlesticks were equipped with electric “flames” that subtly move. Accent lighting uses state of the art technology. A sophisticated dimming system controls all.

Client: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Photography: Shai Kremer

The Metropolitan Museum of Art