The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - the most important information

Also known as the Met, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most precious museums in the world. Here are kept some of the most important pieces of the world's history and heritage, as well as numerous worldwide-known works of art. It's a real must-see attraction if you are visiting New York City.

About the Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the most important museums in the world was opened in 1870. It was founded by a group of people who wanted to show important art pieces to New Yorkers. In the beginning, there were only three collections, which grew over time. During the 20th century, it was enriched with Old Masters, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist works. But this Museum keeps ancient artifacts as well; excerpt for European painting, there are two collections of medieval art and objects from African and Islamic culture. Besides exhibitions, the museums offer a vast range of different lectures, seminars, concerts, and movies. Suppose you want to know more about the Museum and its exhibits. In that case, you can take a guided tour or check out the Gallery Talk, which includes tours guided by curators, educators, and art scholars.

What to see in the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

The collections contain objects from Egyptian, Babylonian, Assyrian, East Asian and Middle Eastern, Greek and Roman, Islamic, and many other cultures. But in 1880, the Met got its present location in Central Park. Additional buildings were constructed to support the great Museum's collections from that moment on. Today, the Met spreads on five levels and has more than 2 million works in its permanent collection. Even though the Museum started with less than 200 paintings of European artists, today, visitors can see over 2.000 pieces of art, many of them worldwide famous. Collections include the most notable works of Caravaggio, Monet, Rembrandt, and many others.

Self-portrait with a Straw Hat by Van Gogh -We're all aware of Van Gogh's work and the legacy he left behind. So don't miss out on seeing one of his most well-known self-portraits. If you want to learn more about his work before going to the Museum, we recommend reading his biography. You will better understand his life and works in this manner.
The Dance Class by Edgar Degas - Degas was fascinated by ballet and tenderness in movement. That's why he mostly chooses to depict dancers while rehearsing or getting ready for the dance. His work is very appreciated, and his paintings are of significant value to the whole world.
Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet - The man who marked the whole movement of Impressionism. This is one of his most appreciated works. It depicts a pond of his own garden of the house in Giverny. This became his favorite place for work in the late days and remained one of the biggest inspirations for his art.
The Vermeer Collection - Met keeps five out of 36 Vermeer's paintings known to exist. His artwork is very appreciated, and it is a great chance and honor to see some of the rare works left after his life.
The Temple of Dendur - The remains of the temple built on the banks of the Nile were sent to the USA after the original site was flooded. Then Met built a room specially dedicated to this colossal building old more than 2.000 years.
Islamic Art - Islamic art has always been particular and exceptional. Tiny details are one of the motives of the Islamic culture, and they all can be seen in the artifacts kept in the Met. Take your time to explore the worlds of the Arabian peninsula, Turkey, and Central and South Asia.
Modern and Contemporary Art - This collection keeps works of world-known artists who marked the 20th and 21st centuries.

Tickets and opening hours of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Opening hours - MET is open from Sunday to Tuesday and from 10 am until 5 pm on Thursday. Yet, working hours are from 10 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The Museum is closed on Wednesdays.
Ticket prices - The admission fee is $25 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $12 for students. For children under 12, the entrance is free.

How to get to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located on the east side of Central Park between 79th and 84th Street. This makes it an easily accessible attraction from every part of the city.

On foot - If you start from the Empire State Building, you can get to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in less than an hour-long walk. Just take 5th Avenue, and after a fun walk down this famous New York street, you'll get to the Museum.
By metro - You can take 4, 5, B, or C subway lines to get to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
By bus - Bus lines BXM1, BXM8, and M2 can get you to the Museum. But the best option may be the line M79-SBS, which passes straight through Central Park.