The serene, luminous Sackler Wing houses the Roman/Egyptian Temple of Dendur from 15BC (inscribed on it is ancient graffiti from 10 BC, and later from 1810).
I wonder about the remarkable scene, pictured. Simply to acquire and move that temple into this specially created wing/room ran around 25 million dollars, not including the room.
The issue of getting so little temple for so much money, requiring an addition which houses only it, a massive plinth and a reflecting pool, is a modern day concern. Where does the money come from? In this case, Sackler pharmaceutical money.
In March 2018, the NY Times opined "…museums might strongly consider rejecting further donations from the Sackler family, major philanthropists in the arts, whom the world recently learned bear a large share of responsibility for the opioid epidemic, through their pharmaceutical company’s production and fervid promotion of OxyContin"
Outside the museum, The Koch brothers, infamous for denying climate science and promoting right wing causes, provided the entire $65 million necessary for the refurbishment of the Fifth Avenue Met Museum Plaza.
Oops.
Not far from the temple room, in the nearby Petrie Court restaurant, views can be seen through the window, up the hill to the west, of the obelisk named 'Cleopatra's Needle', some 1450 years older than the Dendur temple. The obelisk was cleaned and 'refurbished' in 2017.
Spring 2019: the network of UK Tate operated galleries and the National Portrait Gallery have discontinued accepting Sackler philanthropy.
May 2019, New York Times: further Sackler donations deemed unacceptable.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
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