The FRIENDS Preservation Committee supports the replacement of the existing skylights on the Wing J roof over the Ancient Near Hall. This alteration is necessary to address the deterioration of the skylights and improve the building's energy efficiency. The new skylights will maintain the visual continuity and symmetry of the existing Fifth Avenue facade and will not detract from the character of the Museum. We approve of the use of Monel, which will match the material of Wing E on the opposite side of the Great Hall. We kindly request that the stewards of this institution, as well as the client, conduct experiments to study the aging of the chosen material. We also recommend that the surface reflectivity be minimized to reduce distraction and glare for neighboring buildings.