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Metropolitan Museum of Art
If you find yourself dreaming of a journey through centuries of art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most revered museums, is a perfect visit. With a collection spanning over 5,000 years and more than two million artworks from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond, the Met is a place you can revisit time and again and uncover something new every time.
The Culture and History of the Met
Since its founding in 1870, the Met has been a cultural institution woven into the fabric of New York City. Designed by architects like Vaux and Hunt and later expanded by visionaries like Frida Escobedo for its Modern Wing, it stands as a testament to global artistic achievement. In 2023 alone, more than 5.3 million people walked through its doors, making it the most visited museum in the country.
The museum's Michael C. Rockefeller Wing was recently renovated with a $70 million facelift. This stunning glass-walled gallery now features enhanced lighting, educational installations, and improved access, breathing fresh life into African, Ancient American, and Oceanian art. It's a vivid example of how the Met blends preservation with innovation.
What to Explore at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Egyptian Antiquities & Temple of Dendur
Step back thousands of years into Egypt’s past, surrounded by monumental statues, richly decorated sarcophagi, and the awe-inspiring Temple of Dendur, installed in a dramatic, light-filled space. It's a highlight that never fails to enchant.
The American Wing
Wander through the story of American art, from colonial craftsmanship to Gilded Age portraiture, at the American Wing. Marvel at John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and Thomas Eakins, and enjoy beautifully reconstructed period rooms that transport you inside 19th- and early-20th-century American life.
Exhibitions
Defensive Display: Shields from the Met Collection
Defensive Display: Shields from the Met Collection takes a closer look at how shields have protected and represented cultures around the world. Each piece blends craftsmanship and history, revealing how beauty and defense go hand in hand.
The American Wing at 100
Celebrating a century of storytelling through art, The American Wing at 100 highlights key pieces that shaped American identity. Expect everything from grand Hudson River School paintings to perfectly preserved Gilded Age interiors.
Art of Native America: The Diker Collection
Art of Native America: The Diker Collection brings together powerful works from Indigenous artists across North America. This ongoing installation showcases tradition, resilience, and artistry through beadwork, sculpture, and textiles.
Planning Your Visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Best Times & Tickets
The Met is open Sunday-Tuesday & Thursday 10 am-5 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Wednesdays). Friday afternoons and evenings are perfect for a low-crowd experience. Buy tickets online to skip the line; general admission is $30 for adults ($17 for students, $22 for seniors), and children under 12 enter free; NY-area residents pay whatever they wish.
Guided Tours & Talks
From free, volunteer-led Highlights Tours to ticketed, deep-dive guided tours (2-3 hours), including inclusive language options (Japanese, Russian, Spanish, etc.), there are experiences to fit every interest. Visitors with specific interests, techniques, cultures, or conservation? Look out for Gallery Talks.
Family & Accessibility Features
The Met is family-friendly, offering storytelling sessions for ages 18 months to 6 years ('Storytime'), art-making workshops ('MetCreates'), and bilingual tours. Accessibility is excellent, with wheelchair access, hearing loops, and assistive devices available.
Things to Do Near the Metropolitan Museum of Art
A Walk Through Central Park
Step outside and you're already in one of New York’s most beloved landmarks, Central Park. Just across the street from the Met, the park offers the ideal post-museum wander. Walk through the shaded trails of The Ramble, spot turtles at Turtle Pond, or rent a rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse if you're feeling adventurous. In spring and fall, the colors are truly something else.
Add a Cultural Twist
If you're still in the mood for something artsy, head a little farther uptown to The Met Cloisters. Found inside Fort Tryon Park, this offshoot of the museum is dedicated to medieval art, and it’s just as magical as it sounds. The peaceful gardens and views over the Hudson make it worth the extra cab ride.
Where to Eat Nearby
Need to refuel? The museum’s cafés are great for a quick bite. Grab a table at the Petrie Court Café if you can, especially for lunch with a Central Park view. Sistina, which is a 3-minute walk from the museum, is a great choice for a more fine dining experience. Outside the museum, you’ll find plenty of local favorites along Madison Avenue. For something fast and classic, New York’s food carts are always a win, soft pretzel in one hand, gallery map in the other.
A Cultural Icon Worth Revisiting
Designed for discovery and layered in storytelling, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is an immersive city experience. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for a favorite gallery, the Met offers a timeless escape into creativity, culture, and connection.
After a full day at the museum, return to comfort and style with a stay at the Opera House Hotel, one of the very best hotels in Bronx NYC. Enjoy exceptional service, modern amenities, and a peaceful retreat just a train ride from Manhattan’s most iconic institutions.
