Metropolitan Museum of Art

Overview

Dating back to the mid 1800’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art has been educating the people of the United States about some of the world’s greatest artists.

Opening in 1870 on Fifth Avenue with its first object, a roman sarcophagus and then in 1871 receiving 174 paintings from Europe the museum of art was on its way to greatness. Since the museum first opened the collection has grown as did its popularity and fame. Whether you are a fan of “the arts” or not a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.

Things to See & Do

Enjoy a meal at during your visit to the museum. You can choose from the Cafeteria with an average meal price of approximately $13 all the way to the Members Only dining room where the average meal is approximately $26. There are a total of 9 restaurants to choose from within the walls of the museum.

If you would like some guidance a great place to start is to select one of the 9 different itineraries available to you. Here are three top choices to get you started.

The Monuments Men at the Met: Treasures Saved During World War II - See artworks in the Metropolitan Museum's collection that were courageously saved by the Monuments Men, a group of unlikely heroes culled from the art world who risked their lives to preserve Europe's cultural treasures during World War II.

Artist in Residence: Alarm Will Sound - cutting edge of music, dance, and theater.

Family Itinerary for Children Ages 3–5: A Treasure Hunt for Creatures from Ancient Greece! – Great for the whole family. You can discover the Met at your own speed, one nook and cranny at a time.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Insider Tips

• Food and drink cannot be brought into the Museum and may not be checked at the coat checks.
• Water in plastic bottles may be brought into the Museum.
• Flash photography and video cameras cannot be used inside the Museum.
• Still photography is permitted for private, noncommercial use only in the Museum's galleries devoted to the permanent collection.
• Only pencils may be used in the galleries; the use of pens and markers is prohibited.
• Strollers are allowed in all galleries unless otherwise noted. Although Oversize and jogging strollers are prohibited.
• Wheelchairs are available at the coat checks.
• All backpacks and packages must be checked in at the coat-check facilities. Avoid waiting in long lines by leaving backpacks and packages at home.
• Luggage, carry-on bags, and oversize backpacks are not allowed in the Museum and cannot be checked in at the coat-check facilities.
• Musical instruments cannot be brought into the Museum and may not be checked at the coat checks.
• Coats and small umbrellas may be carried into the galleries. Large umbrellas must be checked.

Plan ahead to insure you do not miss that special piece of art you really want to see (Map)