Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is more than just visiting an art museum. Spanning 2 million square feet and housing more than 2 million works of art, the museum is a must-visit. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is without a doubt one of the most popular attractions in New York City.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this popular museum in New York City and why it’s definitely worth a visit!
in short
Too much to read?
- Best time to visit: The museum is less crowded on weekdays, but be aware that Closed on Wednesday.
- Plan your visit: The MET is huge and you can easily spend a whole day here. Plan ahead which exhibitions you want to see.
- Tickets: Get your tickets online before visiting so you can avoid long lines.
The permanent exhibitions feature works of art from the Classical Period and Ancient Egypt, paintings and sculptures by many European masters, and an extensive collection of American and modern art. Six million visitors visit this amazing collection every year. What’s the magic behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Why is it so successful? Let's go there and show you.
A great museum in Central Park
Even from the outside, the museum is impressive. The architecture of the museum is stunning. The monumental staircase in front of the building gives the museum a unique appearance and has gained global recognition. The famous Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 and is still expanding today with a large collection of artifacts, paintings and artifacts.
The Mets collection is so vast that only 25% of it is on display today. The world-renowned collection includes 17 curatorial departments, ranging from historic artifacts from ancient Egypt and the spectacular Wings of America, to inspiring treasures from the Greek and Roman worlds, beloved Impressionist paintings, and the latest contemporary art. The great world of art awaits you at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum's renowned global collection and all special exhibitions are included with your admission!
museum collection
The contents of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection represent a diversity of eras, media, and geographical origins. The Egyptian art collection includes works from 300,000 BC to the 4th century AD. Other elements of the permanent collection include musical instruments and modern art.
A highlight is the Temple of Tambur: it was gifted to the United States by the Arab Republic of Egypt in 1965 and eventually awarded to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1967 (on the basis that it could provide a suitable setting). The temple was stored at Elephant Island before being demolished from its original site. It was installed in the purpose-built Sackler Wing in 1978. In addition, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has 20 rooms, each representing an era.
roof garden
When visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, enjoy stunning views from the rooftop garden terrace. This art venue and restaurant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is open during the warmer months. Offers views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The garden was a gift to the Met from philanthropists Iris and B. Gerald Cantor, founder and chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald Securities.
Please note: The rooftop garden is currently closed for renovations. Expected to reopen in 2030!
Take your audio guide with you
Met Audio Tours offer over 100 hours of informative audio commentary. Developed by expert curators and educators, this audio tour will introduce you to the museum's collection of art and some of its special exhibitions. Some audio guides are also available in nine other languages: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
How much time do you need?
It is almost impossible to see the entire Met in one day. My advice is to read the museum map beforehand and decide which exhibitions you want to see. When you enter the main entrance you can find a map at the information desk.
Just to give you an idea of the size of the museum: the America Wing alone is huge, you could spend an entire day there. The Met is divided into different sections, allowing you to go directly to the part of the museum that interests you. If you want to see everything, we recommend planning a full day to visit the Metropolitan Museum during your stay in New York City.
Tickets
To avoid queuing to buy tickets, it's easier buy tickets Online. This way, you not only save time but also get your tickets organized in advance.
Our verdict: This is one of the best museums in New York City and an experience you shouldn’t miss. The Met is impressive and a museum you will never forget. Museums allow even non-art lovers to see art from a different perspective and enjoy a journey through history.
