Ultimate Visitor Guide to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA

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Phone +1 212-535-7710

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One of New York City’s most popular tourist attractions, the Metropolitan Museum of Art welcomes 7.35 million visitors a year. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and special exhibits provide something for everyone—from Ancient Egyptian vases and Roman statues to Tiffany stained glass and Rembrandt paintings. If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer size and breadth of the collection, consider joining a Highlights Tour.

About the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The contents of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection represent a diversity of age, medium, and geographic origin. The Egyptian Art collection includes pieces from 300,000 B.C. to the 4th century A.D. Other elements of the permanent collection include Musical Instruments, Modern Art, and The Cloisters. To better understand the variety and breadth of the over 2 million pieces of art that comprise the Met’s collection, refer to their website’s Collection information, which includes a searchable database as well as online galleries of highlights from various departments.

The collections of the Metropolitan Museum attract more visitors than any other attraction in New York City, reaching 7.35 million annually. It’s virtually impossible to see the entire collection in one visit, so I recommend selecting a few areas of interest or taking the Museum Highlights Tour that runs throughout the day, starting around 10:15 a.m.

Notable Works: With such an extensive collection of art, pinpointing the highlights is challenging. However, the Met’s website provides suggested itineraries that showcase ways to experience a selection of the Museum’s offerings.

Tips For Visiting

• The museum frequently hosts special exhibits, which can draw large crowds, particularly when closing soon. To avoid long lines and ensure a good view, it’s wise to arrive early in the day and visit on weekdays if possible.
• If you are visiting with children, consider exploring the programs designed for children and families.
• On pleasant weather days, take the opportunity to relax on the roof and enjoy the latest installation, while possibly savoring a cocktail.
• Since it’s impossible to cover the entire museum in one visit, I suggest each member of your party select an exhibit of interest or participate in a tour.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Tours:

• Museum Highlights Tours: Offered throughout the day, these volunteer-led one-hour tours provide a comprehensive introduction to the Museum’s collections (free with admission).
• Gallery Talks: These one-hour presentations focus on the contents of a single gallery (free with admission).
• Audio Guides: These offer detailed information at your own pace on selected pieces of interest, including the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions ($7; $6 for members; $5 for children under 12).

Getting to the Metropolitan Museum of Art:

• Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue
• Cross Streets: 5th Avenue and 82th Street
• Nearest Subways: Take the 4/5/6 to 86th Street. From there, walk west to 5th Avenue and then south to 82th Street.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Basics:

• Official Website: http://www.metmuseum.org