Visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art – What You’ve Gotta See

28/02/2022, Lindsay Eagan

 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art – or the Met – is one of the world’s most famous art museums, containing a world-class collection of art from ancient to contemporary times. The Met’s permanent collection is always on view, and visitors can take a trip through time by walking through the architecturally impressive rooms.

Surrounded by the stunning location of Central Park, the Met is both easy to access and majestic to behold. Check out our helpful guide for visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art, packed full of tips for visiting, places to eat nearby, and ways to save on a bunch of other popular area attractions.

How to get discounted tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

We’ve got you covered – admission to The Met is available with the Explorer Pass. Choose as you go for admission to up to 10 attractions.

 

 

Tips for Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art

• Make a plan: The Met is large, and it’s really easy to get lost or off track when exploring. If you’re trying to take in the whole place in one visit, start with one of the side wings (Greco-Roman off to the left, or Egyptian off to the right.) Not only will this lead you through to other rooms, but you’ll also get to experience a historical timeline of cultural production from around the world.
• Stick around: The Met makes it easy for visitors to stay for an extended period of time, so don’t try and rush through. You’ll probably need 3-5 hours just to see the permanent collection, so take advantage of the many resting spots – found in just about every room – which can give your feet a break and let you take in the surrounding atmosphere.
• Download the app: The Met’s app is a handy way to make sure you see everything you want to without having to worry about pulling out your map every few steps. You can also access the audio tour for free on a smartphone by visiting the museum’s site and clicking on “Audio Guide.” Visitors can still rent devices at the museum if they wish.
• See the Cloisters: Further uptown, the Cloisters are all about the art and architecture of Medieval Europe. With a ticket to the Met, you’ll also be able to visit the Cloisters on the same day.
• Children under 12 receive free admission.
• Save at the store: Show your Explorer Pass to save $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at The Met Store and to save $1 on the Audio Tour.

When is the best time to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Weekends are always a busy time for NYC museums, so if you can, try and visit the Met during the week to cut down on crowds. For a special treat, on Friday and Saturday evenings the Met serves cocktails with light snacks and live music on the Great Hall Balcony Bar, which overlooks the majestic lobby entrance.

Every year the Met installs a new work by a contemporary artist on the rooftop, which during the warmer months provides incredible views of Central Park, Midtown, and Upper Manhattan. Visitors during these seasons will have access to a rooftop cafe and bar.

What should I bring to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

• Camera: You’ll see some of the world’s most famous works of art, from ancient times to the Renaissance to modern masters. There are ample opportunities for memorable photos, particularly with interactive exhibitions like the Temple of Dendur. Keep in mind the Met won’t let you use selfie sticks, so bring a friend if you’re looking to document your trip in portraits.
• A bottle of water: You can’t bring outside food and drink into the museum, but you can bring bottles of water. You’ll be spending a lot of time inside, so you’ll appreciate not having to track down a water fountain.
• A sketch pad: For the creatively inclined, sitting in one of the galleries and sketching the artwork can be a truly unique way to remember your trip. The Met frowns on materials that can make a mess or potentially harm the artwork (no pens), and asks visitors to do their drawing with pencil and paper.
• Not much else: With the Met’s security procedures, you won’t be able to bring much else with you. Visitors with backpacks or large bags will be required to check them, although purses are okay to be carried around. You’re better off leaving large items to avoid the long bag check lines.

What to see and do at the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Like we said, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an insanely large institution. There’s so much to see, you could spend your entire day here. We’ve highlighted some of the best and most famous exhibits to help you create a game plan for your visit.

Greek and Roman Art

 

Here visitors can take in ancient Greek and Roman pottery, sculptures, and artifacts like jewelry and furniture. There are more than 17,000 works in this exhibition hall, dating from the Neolithic Era (4500 B.C.) to the time of Constantine’s Roman Empire (312 A.D.). As you peruse the works, you’ll be able to follow along with somewhat of a timeline and history told by these unique and expertly-preserved artifacts.

Egyptian Art

 

You’ll find 26,000 different artifacts and artworks in the Egyptian wing. In addition to the paintings, sculptures, and jewelry of the ancient Egyptians, the Met also houses the Temple of Dendur, a structure dating to before 10 BC. The Sackler Wing, the new home of the Temple, has an incredible installation with an indoor river, trees, and other related elements. This arguably one of the best exhibits as the museum, as it features giant ceiling-to-floor windows that look out onto the city’s bustling streets.

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

 

This area covers an extensive history of tribal cultures from around the world. Visitors can view ancient artifacts like masks, ritual accessories, and a significant amount of textile work. With over 11,000 pieces, you’ll get a better idea of the culture of ancient South America, sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, Nigeria, and more.

Asian Art

 

This is a huge area of the museum, as it contains examples of work from all over Asia, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and spans all the way back to ancient times. The oldest artifact in the building dates back to the 3rd millenium B.C. It’s one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Asian artwork in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Medieval Art

 

The Met’s collection is home to a number of medieval pieces of art, both religious and secular in nature. For those who want an extra dose of the era, a visit to the Met’s uptown Cloisters will be memorable for history buffs.

European Exhibits

 

 

Sculpture and Decorative Art

For those looking for classic examples of Renaissance sculptures, this wing is home to famous sculptors such as Rodin and Bernini. Visitors can also experience rooms that are dedicated to certain periods and styles, fully furnished in their original manner.

European Paintings, 1250-1800

Whether you are an art lover or not, the Met’s European paintings wing contains some of the world’s most recognizable artworks and artists from history. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Botticelli and others are represented in these strikingly designed rooms.

European Paintings and Sculpture, 19th – 20th century

To continue through Europe’s art history, more recent masters such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, and Matisse – amongst others – are represented in this area. Some of the most famous artists, such as Monet and Cézanne, have their own galleries dedicated to solo presentations of their work.

The American Wing

 

These rooms pay homage to American artwork, design, and architecture spanning from the 17th century to the early 20th century. Walk through staged rooms, halls of sculptures, and important examples of domestic art by artists of the past and present.

Modern and Contemporary Art

 

While the Met’s galleries are home to important artwork throughout history, they also have a wing dedicated to modern and contemporary works. Today, the exhibit hall holds 12,000 paintings dated from 1900 to present day. Visitors can see masterpieces by Dalí, Pollock and Warhol, and works by contemporary artists such as Kiki Smith and George Condo.

Rooftop

 

If you visit during the summer, be sure to head up to the roof to take in views of the park and a rotating installation by contemporary artists. It’s an awesome place to grab a drink, a quick bite, or just enjoy the view.

The Costume Institute

 

The Met’s annual celebrity-filled gala supports the Costume Institute, which brings temporary exhibits celebrating some of the world’s most important historical and contemporary fashion. Items from the permanent collection are also displayed throughout the year, and include pieces dating back to the 15th century. For any fashion-lover, this is a can’t miss.

Special Exhibits

The exhibits listed above only cover some of the permanent exhibits. You can’t forget about the special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. Examples of past exhibits include Jewelry: The Body Transformed, ARMENIA!, Dutch Masterpieces of the Met, and Delacroix. Each exhibit takes the time to explore a medium or artist in depth. Consult the website before your visit to see which special exhibits you’d like to catch.

What attractions are near the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Uptown Manhattan is home to some of New York’s top cultural destinations, and visitors can easily find access to nearby attractions.

The Met Breuer

If the main building of the Metropolitan Museum of Art hasn’t satiated all your art desires, head over to the Met Breuer, a satellite location just a few blocks away. This museum covers a wide variety of mediums, from painting, to sculpture, to photography, textiles, and prints.

American Museum of Natural History

To take in even more history, a walk through Central Park will put visitors right at the American Museum of Natural History, one of New York’s most famous landmarks. This museum is one of the largest of its kind and is most famous for its collection of dinosaur fossils and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.

From a 563-carat Star of India sapphire to a planet-eating dinosaur that roamed the earth 65 million years ago, the American Museum of Natural History has it all.

Guggenheim Museum

If you haven’t seen enough art after the Met, a trip to nearby Guggenheim can give you a totally different experience of contemporary art. Housed in a landmark structure designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, visitors can walk the museum’s circular path to see exquisite examples of contemporary works.

Central Park Bike Rentals

Since you’re right on the park anyways, you might as well explore it. Rent a bike and conquer all the paths, trails, and greenspaces of the largest public city park with Central Park Full Day Bike Rentals.

Where to eat near the Metropolitan Museum of Art? What restaurants are near the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

There are three dining areas in the Museum itself, as well as the seasonal café on the rooftop during the summer. However, there are also a number of places to eat close to the Museum.

Grazie (Italian) 26 East 84th Street For diners looking for a sit-down meal outside of the museum, Grazie is a favorite for locals, and their brunch is one of the Upper East Side’s best.

Nectar Café (Diner) 1090 Madison Ave For a more casual option, Nectar gives a classic New York diner experience, with ample offerings for breakfast and lunch.

Le Pain Quotidien (Café) 1131 Madison Ave Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a coffee boost before or after the museum, or just want some light fare, Le Pain Quotidien always has a selection of pastries, salads, and sandwiches, and visitors can decide whether to take the items to go or to stay.

Need to Know

Main Building Hours

• Sunday–Thursday, 10AM – 5:30PM;
• Friday and Saturday, 10AM – 9PM
• Galleries are cleared 15 minutes before closing
• Closing: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the first Monday in May

Directions & Address

1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street New York, NY 10024

Driving: From Lake Shore Drive, exit at 18th Street. Follow Museum Campus Drive around Soldier Field. Signs will indicate visitor parking. Shedd Aquarium is just north of the parking garage and the Field Museum.

What subway stop is the Metropolitan Museum of Art? 

The closest subway stop is 86th Street. Public Transportation: 4, 5 or 6 trains to 86th Street and walk three blocks west to Fifth Avenue; From the West Side take the 1, B or C trains to 86th Street, then the M86 crosstown bus across Central Park to Fifth Avenue.

Save on Tickets with a New York City Explorer Pass

Remember, the Explorer Pass by Go City® is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes The Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. Save on admission to top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple New York City attractions for one low price.