To unlock the art wing in the museum in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, follow this detailed step-by-step guide to ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps along the way.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Ensure You Have the April 23 Update
– Update Your Game: The art wing feature was introduced in the April 23, 2020, update. Check your game version and ensure it’s up to date. This step is essential to access the new features, including the art wing.

2. Meet the Donation Requirement
– Donate Items: Before you can unlock the art wing, you must have donated at least 60 items to the museum. This can include fish, bugs, and fossils. Meeting this requirement is vital for Blathers to consider expanding the museum facilities.

3. Encounter Redd
– Find Redd: Redd, the charming but sneaky fox, will occasionally visit your island. His visits are random, so keep an eye out for him roaming around. You can also check your island’s notice board for hints about his appearances.

4. Buy Art from Redd
– Purchase Art: When you locate Redd, he will offer you various pieces of art for sale. You must purchase one of these pieces, typically priced at 4,980 Bells. It’s important to note that Redd’s first art piece will always be genuine, allowing you to proceed without the risk of acquiring fakes.

5. Donate Art to the Museum
– Donate to Blathers: Once you have purchased the art piece, take it to Blathers at the museum. Speak to him, and he will analyze the art before accepting your donation. This step is crucial, as you need to donate at least one piece of art for the museum to start the upgrade process.

6. Wait for the Museum Upgrade
– Museum Closure: After donating the art, the museum will need to close for one day to undergo an upgrade. This means you will not be able to make any further donations during this time, but be patient—it’s all part of unlocking the art wing!

7. Explore the New Art Wing
– Museum Reopening: Once the upgrade is complete, the museum will reopen with the art wing available on the upper floor, directly opposite the main entrance. When you first enter, the art wing will mostly be empty, creating a blank canvas for your future donations.

8. Continue Acquiring and Donating Art
– Populate the Art Wing: To fill the art wing, keep purchasing art from Redd during his visits, checking his inventory for both genuine and intricate pieces. Continue donating the acquired art to Blathers to enrich the collection in your museum.

Conclusion
By following these steps carefully, you will successfully unlock and begin to fill the art wing in your museum, adding a vibrant cultural element to your island experience. Enjoy the thrill of uncovering and showcasing art as you expand your museum further!