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The Metropolitan Museum of Art: A World of Art in the Heart of New York

Explore 5,000 years of art from around the world at New York City's iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art on Fifth Avenue.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially known as 'the Met,' stands as a monumental repository of human creativity, showcasing art from around the globe and across millennia. Located on Fifth Avenue in New York City, its vast collection and iconic architecture make it a must-see destination for art lovers and tourists alike.

A brief summary to The Metropolitan Museum of Art

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Plan your visit in advance by checking the museum's website for current exhibitions, events, and hours.
  • Take advantage of the 'pay-what-you-wish' admission if you are a New York State resident or a student in NY, NJ, or CT (with valid ID).
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Consider taking a guided tour or using an audio guide to make the most of your visit.
  • Small backpacks are allowed but must be worn on your front or carried in your hand.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art is easily accessible by public transportation. From the East Side of Manhattan, take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk three blocks west to Fifth Avenue. Alternatively, take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus along Fifth Avenue (from uptown locations) to 82nd Street or along Madison Avenue (from downtown locations) to 83rd Street. From the West Side, take the 1 train to 86th Street, then the M86 crosstown bus across Central Park to Fifth Avenue, or take the C train to 81st Street, then the M79 bus across Central Park to Fifth Avenue. From Penn Station, take the M4 bus to 83rd Street and Madison Avenue, or the C local train to 81st Street and transfer to the M79 crosstown bus across Central Park to Fifth Avenue. Subway fare is $3 per ride.

  • Walking

    From the 86th Street subway station on the Upper East Side (4, 5, or 6 lines), walk three blocks west to Fifth Avenue and then south to 82nd Street. This walk is approximately half a mile and takes about 10 minutes. From the American Museum of Natural History, walk east through Central Park to Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street. Walking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Manhattan. A taxi from Times Square to the Metropolitan Museum of Art typically costs $15 - $19 and takes about 6 minutes, depending on traffic. Shorter trips from the Upper East Side will likely cost less. Be aware that during peak hours, traffic can significantly increase travel time and fares.

  • Parking

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a parking garage located at Fifth Avenue and 80th Street that is open 24/7. Parking rates vary, and discounts are available for museum members. Several other parking garages are located near the museum. Expect to pay between $26 and $48 for 2 hours of parking. Pre-booking a spot is recommended, especially during peak tourist season.

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Discover more about The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, founded in 1870, is one of the world's largest and finest art museums. Its collection of over two million works spans 5,000 years of art from around the world, from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. The Met's mission is to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and stimulate appreciation for and advance knowledge of works of art that collectively represent the broadest spectrum of human achievement. The museum's roots trace back to 1866, when a group of Americans in Paris envisioned a national institution to bring art and art education to the American people. The Met first opened in the Dodworth Building at 681 Fifth Avenue and later moved to its current location on Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street in 1880. The original structure, designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, is now encased within the museum's many expansions. The Met's collection is organized into various curatorial departments, each specializing in a particular area of art history. Highlights include the Egyptian collection, with the Temple of Dendur as a centerpiece; European paintings, featuring masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet; and American art, showcasing works from the 18th through the early 20th century. The museum also boasts extensive holdings of art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, Byzantium, and the Islamic world. Beyond its permanent collections, the Met hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, drawing visitors from around the globe. These exhibitions, along with guided tours, audio guides, and educational programs, provide visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of art. The Met is more than just a museum; it's a cultural hub that inspires creativity, fosters learning, and brings people together through the universal language of art.

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