The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most iconic museums in the world. A trip to New York City would be incomplete without visiting it. Locally known as the MET, the museum is spread over 2 million square feet and covers 5,000 years’ worth of art. With over 3 million pieces of art and antiquities, the MET is bound to have something to appeal to any visitor.
When to Go
The MET is open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year’s Day and the first Monday in May.
It is open Sunday through Thursday, 10.00 am to 5.30 pm and from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets
The MET has a “pay what you wish” policy, with suggested donation amounts of:
- $25 for adults
- $17 for senior citizens
- $12 for students with valid ID
- Free for children under 12, accompanied by adults.
Tickets are available online, which is a great way to avoid the hassle of long lines at the ticket counter.
MET Museum Artworks
The MET is divided into 17 sections, based on geography and media:
- The American Wing
- Greek and Roman Art
- Ancient Near Eastern Art
- Arms and Armor
- Arts of Africas, Oceania and Americas
- Asian Art
- The Costume Institute
- Drawings and Prints
- Egyptian Art
- European Paintings
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Islamic Art
- Medieval Art and The Cloisters
- Modern and Contemporary Art
- Musical Instruments
- Photographs
- The Robert Lehman Collection
It is nearly impossible to see everything in one day. So, study the museum’s map and make a game plan beforehand.
Guides
Audio guides are available at the MET and Guidebooks are available at the Art Store. You can even download their app for free and be your own guide.
Where to Eat
You can stop at Roofgarden Café and Martini Bar. It is located on the 5th floor and offers an incredible view of Manhattan and Central Park. You can have a snack or a drink and rest your feet before you continue exploring. The blocks around the MET are full of restaurants and cafés offering a variety of cuisines.
Highlights
If it is your first visit, don’t miss the Temple of Dendur, the Petrie Sculpture Court and the European Paintings galleries. Keep an eye out for concerts and performances that are held at the MET regularly.
Hearing live music at the Temple of Dendur or watching a dance performance amid the sculptures would be an unforgettable experience. There is no shortage of art works at the MET that can take your breath away. Just remember to plan your visit before you go, so you don’t miss out on the best that the Metropolitan Museum of Art has to offer.