With three floors and hundreds of galleries, it would take more than a day to see everything the Metropolitan Museum of Art has to offer. Founded in the 1870s, the museum (known as the Met) is one of the largest art galleries in the world. The Met has extensive galleries and exhibits, plus gardens, events, multiple dining facilities, and a very large shop of souvenirs.
Upon entering the museum, visitors will first be directed to admissions. A visit to the museum can appear pricey. A donation for an adult guest is listed at $25. However, this is a suggested donation: one may pay whatever you wish. Visitors with backpacks and other large bags will be asked to check their belongings at the coat-check facility. Flash photography and video recording is not allowed.
After admissions, visitors have numerous options ahead of them. The southern entrance opens to the Greek and Roman art galleries of exquisite sculptures, jewelry, and pottery detailing the ancient heroes and legends. The western entrance will take you into the medieval art wing. There are more than 1,400 objects of medieval and Byzantium art. Gallery 305, the medieval sculpture hall, is presented as inside a church and is filled with sculptures of Christian and medieval figures.
Other galleries host Egyptian art, including coffins and yes, mummies, plus paintings, sculptures, modern art, and photography. The American Wing features American neoclassical sculptures in the Charles Engelhard Court on the first floor. The works of Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, and Edgar Degas are on display on the second floor, as are the exhibits of Islamic art (art from Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and other places). Many galleries are recreated to display actual rooms from countries like Turkey and France as well as early American homes and buildings.
The Met offers many dining areas, such as the cafeteria on the first floor. The Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar is open from spring until late fall. There is also the Petrie Court Café and Wine bar, which overlooks Central Park. While a little pricey, the café offers a French café atmosphere and afternoon tea at 2:30 p.m.
Check the Met’s website for hours and events, plus programs for families and teens, and visitors with disabilities.
Diana by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
located in Gallery 700–The Charles Engelhard Court of the The American Wing
The Struggle of the Two Natures in Man by George Grey Barnard
located in Gallery 700–The Charles Engelhard Court of the The American Wing
Gallery 305–Medieval Sculpture Hall
Website: www.metuseum.org
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM; Friday & Saturday 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Closed on Mondays
Cost: Suggested Donation: Adults $25, Seniors $17, Students $12, and children under 12 accompanied by an adult are free
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street east of Central Park