The British Galleries

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, 10028, New York City

July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

The Met’s newly reopened British Galleries are a major feature of the museum’s 150th anniversary, spanning 11,000 square feet and dedicated to British decorative arts, design, and sculpture from 1500 to 1900. The redesigned suite of eight galleries offers a fresh look at the period, emphasizing its entrepreneurial energy as well as its complicated historical legacy. The galleries display nearly 700 works, including many recent acquisitions, especially 19th-century objects bought specifically for this project. A new entrance connects directly from the medieval galleries, creating a smooth transition from the Middle Ages into the Tudor Renaissance. At the center is a conserved and reassembled 17th-century staircase from Cassiobury House, along with three restored historic interiors from Kirtlington Park, Croome Court, and Lansdowne House. The 18th century is shown through striking displays such as 100 English teapots and a large case of luxury objects, highlighting the era’s decorative richness and consumer culture.