Attraction · New York City

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
📷 Curtis Mamas · Google

The number that stops people mid-step is two million — that's how many works the Met holds across 17 curatorial departments, spread over a building that runs nearly a quarter-mile along Fifth Avenue. You could spend an afternoon in the Egyptian wing alone, moving through 39 rooms and 26,000 objects, and still not reach the reconstructed tomb of the courtier Perneb.

The main building sits at 1000 Fifth Avenue on the eastern edge of Central Park, its Beaux-Arts facade facing the park like a second landmark. The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden opens above it all — a quieter place to pause between galleries, with the park laid out below.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
📷 נהוראי אלקיס · Google

💛 What travellers fall for

People who come back tend to pick a single department and go deep rather than attempting a sweep. The roof garden earns its own visit in warmer months. If you're a New York State or New Jersey resident, bring ID — you pay what you wish. Timed-entry tickets are non-negotiable now, so book before you arrive.

The story behind The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The idea was hatched in Paris in 1866, when a group of Americans — among them the lawyer John Jay — agreed to build a national art institution back home. The Met was incorporated on April 13, 1870, and first opened its doors in a rented space on Fifth Avenue before relocating to its current Central Park site in 1880. That original building, in red brick and stone, was the work of Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould.

The Beaux-Arts facade and Great Hall that define the museum today came from Richard Morris Hunt, opening in December 1902; McKim, Mead & White completed the Fifth Avenue wings by 1910. The building became a New York City landmark in 1967 and a National Historic Landmark in 1986. A 126,000-square-foot wing designed by Frida Escobedo — the first woman to design a Met wing — is due to open in 2030.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
📷 Nasrin Ivari · Google

Good to know

Take the 4, 5, or 6 to 86th Street and walk three blocks west — about ten minutes. Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and major holidays. Admission is $30 for adults; same ticket covers the Met Cloisters the same day. Plan three to five hours; most people hit a wall around three.

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4.8 ★ · 94,042 Google reviews

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What travellers say about The Metropolitan Museum of Art

4.8 94,042 Google reviews

We took the subway to 86th St station (4, 5 or 6 train) for The Met museum followed by a short walk down 4 blocks to 82nd St and 5th Ave. A day is not enough to view this museum even if you are not a fan of museums. I could spend days observing the great sculptures and such a diverse collection of art and historic artifacts ranging from ancient era a few thousand years ago to modern contemporary as recent as 2026, if I had the energy to walk that long. But most parts can be covered typically within 3-4 hours, and those having additional interest can plan their next visit according. Becoming museum members offers great advantage to keep coming again and again and get discounts at the gift shop. NYC residents have the "pay what you want" option which sounds great. We bought tickets in the line which barely took 5-10 mins on a busy Saturday. They also offer to buy tickets online right at the venue to skip long queues, or even in advance. There's a nice cafeteria with great food and drinks if you need a refreshment break. Very nice and well maintained restrooms. And last but not least the souvenir shop is a must visit. They have a separate gift shop for the Vogue collection. There are even hearing aids available to listen to the description of all the artifacts at the front desk, for anyone with special needs upon request. Totally worth it and now you know what makes NYC so great!

Dukes Tango a month ago · via Google

Probably the best overall museum in the world. Astounding collections, through dozens of various times and places. It’s hard to even put it in words how awesome this museum is. The only negative I can list right now is there seems to be a lot of places roped off, for seemingly no reason. Also the modern art section is being expanded and renovated so there’s only a small collection of that, which is a bummer because I’ve been into more contemporary art recently. But that barely touches the joy I get from this place.

Phil Townsend 4 months ago · via Google

I can see why this museum is world-famous. I recently watched a movie called The Thomas Crown Affair with Pierce Brosnan that was said to have taken place here. Looks very similar. There's no way to see everything in one sitting. I focused on the areas I wanted to see most. There's so many art sections, something for everyone. You need to decide what's best for you.

Dave Cameron a month ago · via Google

Wonderful place, but book at least 3-5hours, or half a day, there is sooooo much to see. Its crazy how many things and sections they have. But recommend to book tickets online, we did it and came in immediately, and to the till was long lane. Honest recommendation! Not expensive for what u get.

Aleksandra in the last week · via Google

This Museum has something for everyone. Everything from Impressionist masterpieces - Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas - to the abstract impressionist painting of Jackson Pollock. The Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie House Room reconstruction is a must see for any architecture fan. The Egyptian collection is superb - and extensive. There are many rooms dedicated to sculpture from early Roman/Greek to ancient Cambodian treasures. My only complaints about the museum are the unexpected gallery closures ( the Jackson Pollock was unavailable on the day I went) and the lack of a 2-day ticket option ( with discount for a second day). It is impossible to see this whole museum in a day ( without your feet complaining bitterly) - so a second day is highly recommend or plan your itinerary before you go - so you make it to the exhibitions/ galleries you want to see. Line ups can be huge - but it is a huge gallery with plenty of space - so you will get in.... Eventually. Great disabled access, with large doors & lots of elevators. This is a Must-do.

Stephanie K a month ago · via Google
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