Metropolitan Museum of Art: New York’s most important museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as the MET, is one of New York’s busiest attractions and one of the ten most visited museums in the world. Founded in 1870, the MET has one of the largest art collections in the world, with over 2 million works of art. The museum’s exhibits date back 5,000 years and include objects from all over the world. The MET also organises a series of major events and exhibitions throughout the year.

Find out all you need to know about New York’s most famous art museum, a place suitable for adults and children alike to discover everything with family and friends.

Why visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

1. Discover New York’s largest museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in New York City. It is comparable to the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London. With over 2 million items in its permanent collection, you won’t have time to see everything. If you can’t devote several hours to the MET, concentrate on the periods you enjoy!

2. Enjoy the magnificent art collection

If you enjoy painting, head for the second floor: the Metropolitan Museum of Art has an amazing collection that will take you through time, from the earliest medieval paintings to today’s American painters.

The museum houses an important collection of works by European and French painters from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Monet, Courbet and others.

3. Travel back in time to ancient Egypt

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, like the Louvre, has a world-renowned permanent exhibition devoted to ancient Egypt. The Ancient Egypt department is located just behind the main doors of the museum.

Here you will find many objects discovered during excavations, including jewellery and sculptures.

The most astonishing feature, however, is this reconstruction of the Temple of Dendur, an architectural structure that was donated to the United States by Egypt in gratitude for help during the Nile floods.

4. Discover a sublime view from the museum’s roof

The roof of Cantor Garden offers a panoramic view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Sculpture exhibitions are also held on the roof. You can even enjoy a cocktail at the Cantor Roof Garden Bar from May to October.

How do I visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

The MET is to New York what the Louvre is to Paris, with works of the highest quality on display, so you should allow at least 2 hours for a visit.

Opening hours of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

What are the MET’s opening times?

• Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
• Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm
• Please note: it is closed on Wednesdays.
• Annual closures: Thanksgiving, 25 December Christmas Day, 1 January and the first Monday in May.

What are the busiest days?

• Friday afternoon.
• Saturday all day.
• Sunday afternoon.

When is it least busy?

• Thursday mornings from 10 to 12 am and Sunday mornings from 10 to 11 am. Low attendance.
• Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 5.30pm and Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10am to 12pm. Average attendance.

Where is the MET in New York?

1000 Fifth Avenue

at 82nd Street

New York, NY 10028

How can I visit the MET with children?

• The audioguide for children: an audio tour of 13 itineraries specially designed for children aged 6 to 12 is available.
• The family map is a free map that makes for an entertaining and educational trip. Ask for it at the information desk.
• Family Guides is an excellent way of visiting the museum’s galleries by focusing on a particular theme: animals, armour, African art, Rome… Beware, clues are hidden all over the works of art!
• The museum library: the Nolen Library offers children a separate reading area with over 500 books and digital games to help them appreciate art.

How much does admission to the MET cost?

• 25 for adults.
• 17 for seniors.
• 12 for students.
• Free for members, patrons and children under 12.
• Free admission for carers of disabled visitors.