Visiting the Big Apple? Don’t forget to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, one of the world’s greatest museums!
You’ve arrived in the famous Big Apple, where you’ll never be bored! Between a stroll in Central Park, a visit to the Statue of Liberty, admiring the view from the top of theEmpire State Building or shopping on 5th Avenue, you’ll be spoilt for choice to occupy your stay. But a visit to New York also means discovering one or more of its many museums.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or MET for short, is a must-see when visiting New York. It’s one of the world’s greatest art museums, comparable to the Louvre in Paris.
In the heart of Manhattan, the MET brings together 5,000 years of culture (from prehistory to the present day) and 250,000 works of art on display. It is the world’s richest collection of American art, ancient Egyptian art and one of the most important groupings of European paintings and sculptures. All displayed in an exceptional museography. So it’s hardly surprising that over 5 million visitors flock here every year. Two annexes are attached to the main building and are also located in Manhattan: the Met Breuer and the Met Cloisters.
So to help you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, we’ve put together a mini-guide with all the important information you need to know.
History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is one of the world’s largest museums. It opened to the public on February 20, 1872, in the Dodsworth Dance Academy building at 681 5th Avenue. Founded by wealthy Americans, its primary aim was to compete with European museums and make art accessible to New Yorkers.
Following an agreement with the city’s municipal authorities, the MET was moved to its current location on the edge of Central Park. Its construction was led in part by architect Richard Morris Hunt. The original neo-Gothic red-brick building dates from the early 20th century. Several extensions were built, in the Beaux Arts style between 1911 and 1926, and more modern ones between 1971 and 1991.
A total of 280 rooms spread over an area of 180,000m2 now house art collections and millions of visitors. The MET’s cultural treasures are a must-see on any trip to the Big Apple.
What to see and do at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York?
As you can see, it’s impossible to see everything in a single visit. Most first-time visitors spend 3 to 4 hours. So it’s best to plan your visit in advance, and target what you want to see according to your interests.
The 250,000 works are presented in 17 different sections (also called departments), spread over 3 levels. As you wander through the 280 rooms of the MET, you’ll come across a host of unusual discoveries and surprises, such as the Charles Engelhard Court. This impressive neoclassical façade under a huge glass roof will dazzle you with its beauty. Also not to be missed is the phenomenal collection of Egyptian antiquities, located in rooms 100 to 138. These are presented in chronological order, with mummies, jewels and objects of all kinds. Nor is it possible to miss the Temple of Dendur, dedicated to the god Osiris and donated by Egypt in 1968.
Another must-see on your visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the Department of European Painting. It features one of the world’s richest collections of works from the Flemish, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish schools. A must-see is Rembrandt’s « Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer« , purchased in 1961 for 2.3 million euros.
Other highlights include sumptuous carpets from Iran in the Islamic art department, Japanese ceremonial costumes, weapons and armor from the Middle Ages, and a superb collection of musical instruments from around the world.
The MET also offers a program of lectures and short film screenings. You can find the program on the Museum’s official website. What’s more, on the ground floor of the building, you’ll find a number of reading rooms and a bookshop (with free access).
For those wishing to take a short break during their visit, the Roof Garden Cafe is located on the fifth floor (open only from May to October).
Last but not least, your ticket to the MET also entitles you to visit the 2 annexes. The MET Breuer features modern and contemporary works of art, while the MET Cloisters takes you on a journey to the heart of a medieval European monastery.
How to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Before visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, pick up a map of the museum at the entrance to avoid getting lost. Ask for the day’s program, which lists events and temporary exhibitions.
You can opt for an audioguide, in French or English, and let yourself be guided by the narrative voice. Or simply lose yourself in the maze of rooms.
How to get to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met Fifth Avenue
- On foot
To visit the MET, go to 1000 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, east of Central Park at 5th Avenue and 82nd Street.
- By metro
There is no subway station near the museum. The nearest is the green line 4, 5 and 6; or the <yellow line Q which will take you to 86 Street. You’ll then need to walk between 10 and 15 minutes in theUpper East Side neighborhood, to reach the museum.
- By bus
To get to The Met Fifth Avenue by bus, take line M86 to Fifth Avenue.
The MET Breuer
- On foot
From Met Fifth Avenue, you can walk to Met Breuer. Just take Madison Avenue to 75th (approx. 9-minute walk).
- By metro/bus
– East side Manhattan: By subway, take no. 6 to 77th Madison Avenue and walk to 75th. By bus, lines M1, M2, M3 or M4 serve 75th Madison Avenue from Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue.
– West side Manhattan: Take the 1 subway to 79th Street, then the M79 bus to Crosstown.
– From the Met Cloisters: Take the M4 bus directly to 75th Madison Avenue.
The Cloisters Met
- By metro/bus
Take subway line A towards 190th Street. Exit and walk along Margaret Corbin Drive to catch the M4 bus.
Opening hours and prices of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1 and the first Monday in May.
MET SCHEDULES
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 to 17:30
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 21:00
MET BREUER OPENING HOURS
- Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 to 17:30
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 21:00
MET CLOISTERS HOURS (open daily)
- March to October: 10:00 to 17:15
- November to February 10:00 to 16:45
Rates
Since March 2018, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has introduced a compulsory admission ticket for all non-New York resident visitors (free for residents). The admission ticket is valid for all 3 buildings and remains valid for 3 consecutive days.
- Adults: admission $25 / audio tour (French and English): +$7
- 65+: $17
- Students: $12
- -12 years: free / audio tour (French and English): +$5
Please note: it’s best to buy your tickets online, as well as a queue-breaking ticket to avoid waiting at the ticket desks. Admission to the MET is included in most New York Passes.
GOOD TO KNOW
– Possibility of visiting the MET as a VIP before opening time: Empty Met. The tour is organized early in the morning for small groups. A unique experience to be booked directly on the Museum’s website.
– Beware of false friends! The « first floor » is the ground floor and the « second floor » is the second floor.
– Photos are permitted without flash.
– Food is not allowed inside the Museum, with the exception of plastic water bottles.
– Strollers and wheelchairs are available from the checkroom.
– Handbags and backpacks must be taken to the checkroom.