1. Summary
This article provides essential tips for visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the largest and finest art museums in the world. It covers optimal visiting times, strategies for exploration, and the best dining options, ensuring an enriching experience at the Met.
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Phone +1 212-535-7710
The Louvre, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are among the biggest museums in the world. If you attempt to visit one of these giants in an afternoon, you may quickly find yourself hungry, tired, and overwhelmed. Since visiting major attractions, such as theme parks, often requires extensive planning, proper preparation is essential here as well. Breaking Down is a series designed to help you navigate the world’s most prominent museums through focused visits.
Now, let’s delve into the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Met embodies the whole concept of an art museum. It houses an extensive range of Eastern and Western art, while its two branch museums, the Cloisters Museum & Gardens and the forthcoming Met Breuer, offer more specialized experiences. Located partially within Central Park, the Met’s grand entrance on Fifth Avenue makes it a quintessential New York attraction. How can you maximize your visit to the Met if time is limited?
2. Visit on Friday or Saturday Evening
The Met is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5:30 pm, but on Friday and Saturday nights, it remains open until 9 pm. Around 6 pm, the crowds begin to disperse, accompanied by a small orchestra performing classical music on the balcony. This creates the perfect atmosphere for wandering through the museum without a specific agenda. Some galleries may close on late nights due to staffing, yet the extensive collection ensures that newcomers will be captivated regardless.
Be sure to see Madame X in the American Wing and observe the slight imperfection just below the shoulder where her dress strap was deemed too scandalous. During daytime hours, admirers usually surround this artwork, but you can enjoy it in solitude by visiting at night.
Also, don’t miss the exhibition of Egyptian jewelry, ivory, and glass from the Byzantine era tucked under the main staircase.
Request assistance from a gallery guard to find the Chinese Courtyard in the Asian Art galleries; this enchanting display will transport you back to the Ming Dynasty.
This nightlife experience is particularly delightful for couples. There are many romantic spots perfect for a memorable moment, including the Gubbio Studiolo.
3. Focus on One Section
The Met serves as an encyclopedic museum, with each section led by teams of curators and experts. This structure creates a unique little museum within a museum effect.
If ancient Rome has always intrigued you, or if you wish to see Monet’s Water Lilies in person, enter through the main entrance, pick up a map from the information desk in the center, and head for your section of choice. Spending a few dedicated hours exploring the mummies can be far more rewarding than skimming through galleries that don’t resonate with you. Prioritize enjoyment over obligation; don’t turn your museum visit into a chore.
4. Take Breaks for Refreshments
Even art lovers can grow weary when exploring the Met for too long.
“Isn’t this your favorite place?” friends often ask when I tire out before they do. While the museum is indeed captivating, I too grow hungry and restless. Fortunately, the Met has numerous options for refreshment and relaxation. For a full meal, head to the cafeteria. Though often crowded, it provides great value for those needing to recharge. For lighter fare or a drink, the scenic Petrie Court Cafe overlooking Central Park offers a lovely atmosphere. Be sure to check out the Roof Garden Cafe during the summer; on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s a popular gathering spot among locals.
Afterward, take a breather in Central Park. Visitors can come and go all day with receipts in hand. A quick stop at Eli Zabar’s Eat will reward you with classic New York bagels and an array of spreads. Grab some napkins and a blanket and unwind on the grass just outside the Met. Remember, the admission policy is pay-what-you-wish, so any donation is welcomed.
Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10028
Admission is based on a suggested donation, allowing flexibility in contributions.
- Adults $25
- Seniors (65 and older) $17
- Students $12
- Members Free
- Children under 12 (accompanied by an adult) Free
Open 7 Days a Week
Sunday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May
