Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met and Cloisters museums are world renowned for their vast collection of medieval art
![Entrance and Facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art](http://cdn.tourbytransit.com/newyorkcity/images/562x374px-Entrance%20and%20Facade%20of%20the%20Metropolitan%20Museum%20of%20Art.jpg)
Nestled on eastern edge of Central Park, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most visited sites along New York City's Museum Mile. Known to locals as "The Met", the museum was founded in 1870 by a group of wealthy financiers and artists as an educational institution to cultivate art appreciation. The halls of The Met contain over two million works of art representing cultures spanning the globe from the Stone Age to modern day.
Visitors to The Met could spend weeks exploring the vast collections housed in the museum's 250 rooms. To get the most out of your visit, plan to visit the special exhibitions and more popular collections (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, 19th Century European paintings) early and visit other areas during peak hours. Various tours and lectures in a variety of foreign languages are given free of cost.
Part of the collection of medieval art and architecture is housed at The Met Cloister Museum in Upper Manhattan. Located at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive in Fort Tryon Park, overlooking the Hudson River, The Cloisters has been constructed from sections of medieval French monasteries and houses approximately 3,000 works of European art dating from the third to ninth century. Be sure to take time to wander the beautiful gardens after a coffee or light lunch at Trie Cloisters or posh New Leaf Cafe.
In the Main Building, there are several eateries ranging from moderate to expensive within the museum. During the summer months, The Met opens its Roof Garden Cafe, offering al fresco dining with panoramic views of the New York City skyline. During extended hours on Friday and Saturday, the Met offers a quintessential New York experience with a string quartet above the Great Hall. Cocktails and appetizers are available by candlelight at the Balcony Bar or enjoy the summer night sky at the rooftop martini bar.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. See the official website for details.Metropolitan Museum of Art Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Phone: (212) 535-7710
Official Website: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Metropolitan Museum of Art Reviews
Rated
As a native New Yorker, I've been to the MET more times than I can count, and it never gets old. This iconic museum is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture that feels new with every visit. Whether you're into ancient Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance paintings, or modern American art, the MET has something that will catch your eye.
One of the coolest parts about living in New York State is that the price of admission to the MET is suggested for locals with an ID. That means you can pay what you wish and enjoy some of the world's most incredible art collections. It's a fantastic deal that makes art accessible to everyone, and it’s a privilege that I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of.
I’ve found that the best time to visit the MET is right when it opens. The galleries are quieter, the light is beautiful, and you can enjoy the art in a more intimate setting before the crowds roll in. It's peaceful and allows you to really engage with the art without the distraction of heavy foot traffic.
The museum itself is a work of art, with grand architecture and beautifully curated spaces. It’s not just a place to see art; it’s a place to experience it. Whether you're wandering through the impressively detailed period rooms or taking in the panoramic views of Central Park from the rooftop garden, the MET offers a unique blend of art and ambiance that is hard to find anywhere else.
If you're a New Yorker or just visiting, the MET is a must-see. Bring your state ID, get there early, and prepare for an unforgettable experience steeped in art and history. Trust me, it's worth setting your alarm for.
Yari Sofia - a month ago
An incredibly beautiful museum. Whether you are thinking of visiting it or not, it is definitely worth going and seeing the wonders of art from all over the world. You can see works of art from European countries, Ancient Egypt, Africa and other empires.
The museum is huge. You'll need a full day and a good meal before starting your journey into history. You will be amazed and surprised by what you see inside.
On the territory of the museum there is a cafe, places where you can sit and relax, and restrooms. Everything is very worthy and beautiful.
Definitely worth visiting this place.
Arpik Khanakhian - a month ago
The Met is among my favorite museums in NYC. There’s always something new to explore, and my visits are engaging no matter how many times I visit. Be sure to sign up for the special exhibits using the QR codes when you enter so you can plan your visit better. (And I’d suggest visiting on a weekday, because it gets far too crowded on weekends. Note that they have extended opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays though.)
Simran Purokayastha - a month ago
What a phenomenal museum. This is an absolute MUST if you’re in New York. Make sure you allocate at least 4 hours for your visit to get the most out of it. We had a flight to catch, so we spent about 2 hours there and were able to see ~50% of the museum at a quick pace. We were not necessarily stopping to read descriptions like we would normally do just because we were in a bit of a rush. Absolutely hope to come back here again some day, it is by far one of the coolest museums in America.
Bryce B - a month ago
You can spend the whole day here. In most cases you have to pay to get in, even if you have a Go City or New York pass. A lot of things to see, I can recommend it to everyone who loves art and history from all over the world. You need a reservation for it the best time is at 10:00 AM
Bent - a month ago
Directions
Subway and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
4,5,6 | 86th Street | 10 minutes |
1 / M86 | 86th Street | 5 minutes |
C / M79 | 81st Street | 2 minutes |
A (To the Cloister Museum and Garden) | 190th Street | 10 minutes |
How to get to Metropolitan Museum of Art by Subway and Bus
Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk three blocks west to 5th Avenue. Alternatively, take the 1 train to 86th Street, then the M86 cross-town bus to 5th Avenue or take the C train to 81st Street, then the M79 bus to 5th Ave.
To get to the Cloisters Museum and Garden, ride the A train to 190th Street and exit via the elevator. Walk north on Margaret Corbin Drive .
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Photo Gallery
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Medieval Carving ats the Cloisters cc licensed photo by miss_millions -
Photo Credit: mlcastle - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Sharon Mollerus - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: btwashburn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: btwashburn - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
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