Museum NameMetropolitan Museum of Art Location1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States Type of MuseumArt museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York City, colloquially 'the Met', is the largest art museum in the United States. It presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy.

Overview

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, often referred to as The Met, is one of the worlds largest and most important art museums. The collection of The Met spans 5,000 years of world culture, from prehistory to the present and from every part of the globe. It is located in New York City and was founded in 1870 for the purposes of opening a museum to bring art and art education to the American people.

The Met is an iconic structure with a facade that stretches over a quarter of a mile along the eastern edge of Central Park. The building itself is a work of art, blending Gothic Revival, Classical Revival, and Beaux Arts architectural styles. Inside, the museum houses over two million works of art, divided among seventeen curatorial departments. Each department represents a specific period or category of art, including an extensive collection of American art, European paintings, arms and armor, ancient Near Eastern art, Asian art, costume, drawings and prints, Egyptian art, Greek and Roman art, Islamic art, Medieval and Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art, musical instruments, photographs, and the Robert Lehman Collection.

The Met has three sites: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters. The Met Fifth Avenue is the flagship museum location on the eastern edge of Central Park along Museum Mile. It contains an extensive collection of American and European masterworks, as well as works representing the cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

The Met Breuer is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, named after its designer, Marcel Breuer. The Met Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan, is dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe, and houses numerous medieval masterpieces.

Throughout its history, the museum has expanded significantly in size and scope. Major acquisitions and donations have added to its collection, and exhibitions have been held to showcase specific periods or styles of art. The museum has also served as a center for research and conservation, with numerous programs and initiatives aimed at preserving the works within its walls.

The Met is not just a treasure trove of art, but also a hub of education and research. It offers a variety of programs, workshops, and resources for students, teachers, researchers, and art enthusiasts. These programs include lectures, performances, films, guided tours, and family events that provide an enriching and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Met has also embraced the digital age, offering online access to its collections, exhibitions, and educational resources. Its website features an online database of its collections, virtual tours of its galleries, and a variety of educational materials.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a testament to the power of art to tell stories, express ideas, and inspire individuals. Its vast collections, educational programs, and initiatives for the preservation and dissemination of art make it a must-visit destination for art lovers and learners alike. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student, a researcher, or a casual visitor, The Met offers a unique and enriching experience that is sure to leave you in awe of the beauty and diversity of art and culture.

Through its vast collections, The Met embraces the entire spectrum of art, offering visitors an immersive and transformative experience that extends beyond the museum walls. With the museums mission to connect people to creativity, knowledge, and ideas, The Met continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world, reinforcing its status as one of the worlds leading art institutions.

Key Highlights & Collections

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, is one of the worlds largest and finest art museums. Its collection includes more than two million works of art spanning five thousand years of world culture, from prehistory to the present and from every part of the globe. The museum is located in New York City and was founded in 1870 for the purposes of bringing art and art education to the American people.

The Met maintains extensive holdings of African, Asian, Oceanian, Byzantine, and Islamic art. The museum is also home to encyclopedic collections of musical instruments, costumes and accessories, and antique weapons and armor from around the world. A great number of period rooms, ranging from 1st-century Rome through modern American design, are on display in the Mets galleries.

One of the key highlights of the Met is the Egyptian Art collection. This collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world. It contains works of art from the Paleolithic to the Roman period (ca. 300,000 B.C.– A.D. 4th century). Nearly all of the 26,000 objects can be found on display in the galleries. The Egyptian collection covers 4,000 years of ancient Egyptian history and includes the iconic Temple of Dendur.

The Met is also renowned for its collection of European Paintings. These galleries contain around 1,700 pieces, including many iconic works from the Western canon. The collection spans from the 12th through the 19th century and includes masterpieces by artists such as Titian, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.

The American Wing houses one of the most comprehensive collections of American art in the world. It includes works from the colonial period to the early 20th century, with notable works from artists such as John Singleton Copley, Thomas Cole, Winslow Homer, and John Singer Sargent. The collection also features a variety of decorative arts, including period rooms dating back to colonial times.

Another key highlight is the Arms and Armor collection. This collection is one of the most popular in the museum. It features approximately 14,000 pieces from the medieval period to the present. The collection includes pieces from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and America.

The Asian Art collection at the Met is one of the largest and is the most comprehensive in the West. It features more than 35,000 pieces that cover 4,000 years of Asian art. The collection includes porcelain, jade, bronze, calligraphy, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles.

The Greek and Roman Art collection is another must-see at the museum. This collection presents a comprehensive picture of the art and architecture of the classical world, with approximately 17,000 objects that date from the Neolithic period to the time of Romes conversion to Christianity. Highlights include the Sarcophagus of Hercules and the Statue of an Old Market Woman.

The Met also houses an extensive collection of Modern and Contemporary Art. This collection is dedicated to the art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It includes more than 12,000 works of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs, and design objects. Artists represented range from Picasso and Matisse to contemporary artists such as Cindy Sherman and Ai Weiwei.

The Met is also home to the Costume Institute. This collection is a department that houses a collection of more than 35,000 costumes and accessories spanning five continents and seven centuries. Highlights of this collection include pieces from the world of high fashion, including works by designers such as Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent.

The Met also has a significant collection of African Art. This collection includes more than 12,000 pieces that span 2,500 years. It includes a wide range of art, including sculpture, painting, prints, textiles, decorative arts, and pieces from tribal and traditional African cultures.

The Museum is also home to the Robert Lehman Collection, which is an extraordinary private collection of European art that was bequeathed to the museum in 1975. The collection includes works by major European artists, including Botticelli, El Greco, Rembrandt, Goya, and Turner, as well as important works of decorative art.

Another notable collection is the Musical Instruments collection. This collection includes over 5,000 instruments from all over the world and from different periods. Instruments in the collection include the oldest known surviving piano and a set of 63 Renaissance-period instruments.

The Met continues to grow its collection and to sponsor scholarly research. It represents an irreplaceable repository of artistic achievement and a comprehensive library of world cultures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an iconic institution that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in over 5,000 years of art from around the world.

Visitor Experience

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as The Met, is one of the world's largest and finest art museums. Located in New York City, it is a significant tourist attraction that provides an enriching and enlightening experience for its visitors. There is a vast array of art from across all eras and regions, providing a comprehensive perspective of art history.

Visitors to The Met are greeted with a grand facade, an architectural marvel in itself. As you step inside, you are transported into a world of art and culture spanning 5,000 years. The museum's collection contains over two million works of art, spread across 17 curatorial departments, each department specializing in a particular region or period. The Met is a treasure trove of art, with collections ranging from ancient Egyptian art and artifacts, European paintings, American art, to contemporary art and more.

Visitors can explore the museum at their own pace, or they can opt for guided tours. The guided tours are a great way to delve deeper into the collections and understand the context and significance of the artworks. The museum also offers audio guides in several languages, which are very helpful for international visitors. The Met's friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to answer any questions visitors may have about the exhibits.

Aside from its permanent collection, The Met also showcases several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions often focus on specific artists, art movements, or themes, providing a fresh and innovative perspective on the art world. These temporary exhibitions, along with the rotating displays in the permanent collection, ensure that there is always something new to see at The Met.

The Met provides an immersive experience that goes beyond just looking at art. There are interactive displays, touch screens, and multimedia presentations that engage visitors and enhance their understanding of the art. For younger visitors, there are family-friendly activities and programs that make learning about art fun and exciting. The Met also organizes special events, lectures, and workshops that provide opportunities for visitors to interact with artists and experts in the field.

One of the highlights of a visit to The Met is the museum's rooftop garden. It offers breathtaking views of Central Park and the New York City skyline. The rooftop also features a bar and a seasonal art installation, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind after exploring the museum.

For those interested in shopping, The Met has a well-stocked gift shop offering a range of products inspired by the museum's collection. You can find books, prints, jewelry, home decor, and more. There are also several dining options within the museum, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.

Accessibility is a priority at The Met. The museum is wheelchair accessible, and it offers services for visitors with disabilities, including sign language interpretation and touch tours for the visually impaired. There are also facilities for nursing mothers and families with young children.

The Met is not just a museum, it is a cultural hub that brings art to life. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of art, learn about different cultures, and gain a deeper appreciation for the creativity and diversity of human expression. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a unique experience, a visit to The Met is sure to be a memorable one.

Plan your visit well in advance, as there is so much to see and do at The Met. The museum's website provides comprehensive information on current and upcoming exhibitions, events, and visitor services. It is also advisable to check the museum's visiting hours and admission policies before your visit. Come prepared to be amazed and inspired by the vast collection and the myriad experiences that The Met has to offer. Remember, it's not just about seeing art, it's about experiencing it.