The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced its MetLiveArts fall and winter 2025–26 season, featuring world premiere performances and commissions created specifically for the museum's galleries, as well as concerts in the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium. The season highlights a significant number of new works by female artists, including composers and musicians Gabriela Ortiz, Wu Man, Hanzhi Wang, Emily Wells, Layale Chaker, and Leilehua Lanzilotti. Performances will draw inspiration from the Met's collection and special exhibitions like 'Man Ray: When Objects Dream,' with events beginning September 9, 2025, featuring Wu Man and The Knights. The season also includes the JACK Quartet as the museum's 2025–26 Quartet in Residence and the appointment of Sarah Jones as Head of Live Arts.
This season matters because it underscores the Met's ongoing commitment to integrating live performance with its permanent collection and special exhibitions, creating immersive experiences that connect audiences with art in new ways. By commissioning works from a diverse range of international and emerging artists—with a notable emphasis on female creators—the Met positions itself as a dynamic cultural hub that bridges visual art, music, and dance. The inclusion of free and ticketed events, along with popular Date Night programming, also reflects the museum's strategy to broaden audience engagement and accessibility.