Culture and Connections at the Met: An Evening of Global Encounters Through Art

On Friday evening, August 1, the United Nations Association of New York launched its Culture and Connections at the Met event with a vibrant gathering at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering members and guests a unique opportunity to explore the intersections of global culture and the mission of the United Nations.

The evening highlighted how both the Met and the UN serve as bridges across cultures — one through art and history, the other through diplomacy and international cooperation. Together, they reflect a shared vision: fostering understanding, inclusivity, and dialogue among people from every corner of the globe.

Leading the tour was Helen Lee, a long-time Met docent, whose expertise and engaging storytelling guided attendees through a series of culturally diverse exhibits. With each gallery, participants were invited to reflect on the themes of diversity, exchange, and interconnectedness — principles that lie at the core of the UN’s mission.

The tour concluded at the Met’s iconic rooftop garden, where guests enjoyed refreshments and informal conversation against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. The space buzzed with energy as attendees mingled, made new connections, and continued discussing the ideas sparked by the tour.

The overwhelmingly positive response to this inaugural program has laid the groundwork for future tours and cultural gatherings, as UNA-NYC continues to connect its community with global perspectives through art, dialogue, and shared experience.