MET PLANS RENOVATION

by laura shin

across central park, the metropolitan museum of art recently announced it is in the early design stages of a complete overhaul of its famous fifth avenue plaza.

one of the main features of the project is the design and installation of all new fountains, replacing the present fountains that have been in place since 1970.

harold holzer, senior vice president of external affairs, said another goal of the project is to improve access to the museum's 81st street and 83rd street entrances.

"we have more than 5 million people visit a year and they all walk up the front steps," holzer said. "it's difficult to direct people to 81st street."

"this exciting new outdoor environment will provide the perfect complement to the majestic spaces and exceptional collections found within the building," said thomas p. campbell, director of the museum, in a statement.