Genesis Installed New Sculptures at The Met
Artist Liu Wei created the four large-scale installations now featured at the museum’s 5th Avenue entrance in Manhattan.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art unveiled four sculptures by artist Liu Wei on October 2, 2026. These works are part of the Genesis Facade Commission, which showcases large-scale installations at the museum annually.
Why it matters
The installation highlights the ongoing five-year partnership between Genesis and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, established in 2024 to support public art initiatives. This collaboration reflects a broader trend of automotive companies investing in major cultural institutions to align their brands with contemporary art.
The display features 4 large sculptures installed as part of the Genesis Facade Commission. Genesis is currently in the middle of a 5-year partnership with the museum.
The players
Liu Wei
Liu Wei is a contemporary artist who created the sculptures for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Genesis
Genesis is an automotive brand that maintains a five-year partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a major art museum in New York City that hosts the Genesis Facade Commission.
Hyundai
Hyundai is an automotive company that supports global museum programs including the Whitney Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art is a New York-based institution that partners with Hyundai to host events like the Whitney Biennial.
The details
The sculptures, created by Liu Wei, were positioned at the 5th Avenue entrance in Manhattan to be viewed by museum visitors. Genesis continues to support similar arts programs, having previously sponsored exhibitions by artists including Lee Bul and Jeffrey Gibson.
Timeline
2015: Partnership began with Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
2024: Genesis signed a five-year partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
October 2, 2026: The four sculptures were officially displayed at the museum.
February 9, 2027: Sponsorship of the Seodo Hojeon exhibition concludes.
2037: Hyundai's partnership with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art ends.
Industry Dynamics
This installation is a continuation of the Genesis Facade Commission, which formalizes the company's role as a primary benefactor for large-scale public art. It follows a wider industry pattern where automotive brands secure long-term museum partnerships to strengthen their cultural presence.
Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art can view these four sculptures free of charge at the 5th Avenue entrance. The exhibition is open to the public during the museum's standard operating hours.
The takeaway
Large-scale public installations like these provide free cultural access to residents and tourists in New York City. Art enthusiasts can look for these commissions as a way to experience contemporary work outside of traditional gallery walls.
What happens next
Hyundai plans to continue its support of the Seodo Hojeon exhibition through February 9, 2027, and will back five consecutive Whitney Biennial events leading up to 2032.
Further reading
For more on how public installations shape the city, visit Fine Art.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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