The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Located on Museum Mile along Fifth Avenue and Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s largest boasting an extensive collection of art from around the world. With a collection exceeding two million works of art spanning 5,000 years, the Metropolitan displays the pinnacle of man’s creativeness. From the glory of ancient Egypt, to the outstanding New American Wing, to the Met’s cherished Impressionist paintings, a universe of remarkable art awaits you at New York’s number one attraction. You can also grab a bite, use the Audio Guide and do some shopping at the Met Store.

But The Metropolitan Museum wasn’t always the City’s number one draw. The Met Museum was established in 1870 by artists and financiers who wanted the US to have a museum dedicated to the fine arts. After numerous sites it finally moved to its present location in 1880. For the first twenty years, it was visited primarily by the upper crust. Working folks couldn’t go to the Museum because it was only open during hours when they were working. Once The Museum finally started opening on Sundays in the early 1900’s, it became a well-liked place to visit.

We know a Museum like this can be kind of overwhelming so below is a list of

WHAT TO BE SURE TO SEE:

• The Temple of Dendur: Make your way through Egyptian hieroglyphics, coffins and sphinxes to the Temple of Dendur in the Sackler Wing. The space features windows offering outstanding views over Central Park.
• Medieval Sculpture Hall: Be sure to see the religious sculptures and tapestries —they’re most impressive.
• European Sculpture, 1700–1900: Large bronze and marble sculptures by Canova and Rodin are found in this narrow hall. In addition, you can view the museum’s original northern façade from here.
• Period rooms: In the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts section you can visit elaborate European Renaissance rooms. Also, in the American Wing, be sure to see the Frank Lloyd Wright Room, rebuilt from a Minnesota home dating back to the early 1900’s.
• American Wing: Don’t miss the “Autumn Landscape” window made of stained glass by the Tiffany Studios and the Branch Bank of the United States façade.
• The Astor Chinese Garden Court: Have a break in the center of the Asian Art wing. Patterned after a renowned 17th-century garden from Suzhou, China, this indoor courtyard was constructed using customary tools by craftsmen from there.
• European Paintings: one of the most popular areas of the Museum, with art ranging from the 1200’s to the 1800’s with paintings by Cezanne, Renoir, Degas, Monet, Manet and Rembrandt to name but a few.

Fun Fact:

Many TV shows and films have featured the Met including: Gossip Girl, The Thomas Crown Affair and When Harry Met Sally.

Deciding what to see may be difficult but getting here is easy! Hop on our Uptown and Harlem route and hop off at stop #26 for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.