On May 31, 2025, Mr. Khunthong Nuanual, Deputy Consul-General and Acting Consul-General, together with Ms. Katesuda Thongna, Consul, attended the opening ceremony of the newly renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They extended their congratulations to Mr. Kulapat Yantrasast, Thai architect and founder of WHY Architecture, who led the design and renovation of the gallery.

 

     The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing features art from Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Mr. Kulapat and the WHY team have spent over four years revisioning this important space to enhance the connection between the art, the museum’s architecture, and its surrounding environment.

 

     During a special talk, Mr. Kulapat shared insights into his design concept, which draws inspiration from the creation of a culinary menu. He blended the Japanese approach—natural, simple, yet profound—with the Thai philosophy of harmonizing diverse and contrasting ingredients. Acting like a conductor, he brought together the visions and feedback of various stakeholders to craft an exhibition space that is both accessible to visitors and seamlessly connected to the rest of the museum and nature itself.

 

     The Royal Thai Consulate-General in New York proudly congratulates Mr. Kulapat and the WHY Architecture team for this outstanding achievement and for showcasing Thai design excellence on the world stage.