The Met New York: The flagship institution is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also called simply “The Met. The museum, situated in N.Y. City, carries a vast collection from around the globe through millennia of diverse cultures. Let’s explore the history, content, collections, visitor information, and latest news about The Met.
History
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was established in 1870 because a small group of American artists and businessmen wanted to create the idea. Their objective was to establish a museum that would take art and study to the public. In 1880, the museum was opened to the public. It was first housed in a small building on 14th Street. Then, the Met relocated in 1888 to its current space on the eastern side of Central Park. The new location freed the library to grow its collection as well as facilities.
The Met has gone through multiple expansions and re-roofing in the years following its opening. The iconic Beaux-Arts façade, which still characterizes the extent today, was added to the museum in 1902. A branch in Fort Tryon Park, The Met Cloisters, opened in 1938 and features art from medieval Europe. Today, The Met consists of three locations—The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Cloisters, and The Met Breuer.
Structure
The Met’s flagship on Fifth Avenue: a labyrinth that runs to more than two million square feet in exhibition space. The collection comprises more than 2 million works of art from various cultures and periods, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs, and artifacts. Each department in the museum is dedicated to a different genre or culture.
Galleries hold European paintings, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and American decorative arts. Contemporary and modern art by artists like Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns, and other 20th-century icons live at The Met Breuer. The Met Cloisters are a peaceful space with gardens and architecture that pays homage to medieval Europe.
Collection Highlights
The Met’s collection is broad and diverse, covering 5000 years of art. Notable works include:
Vincent van Gogh — The Starry Night: This iconic painting presents a majestic look into the swirling night sky that captivates everyone.
Repatriation of Egyptian artifacts: The museum holds an important collection of mummies, sarcophagi, and ancient Egyptian art.
American art: Works by artists like Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe showcase the rich cultural history of the United States.
European Masterpieces: The collection of paintings depicts the growth of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Monet.
Visitor Information
Every year, millions of people visit The Met. The museum is open daily, but the hours will vary depending on your location.
The Met Fifth Avenue: Open, 10:00 am-5:30 pm, The Met Cloisters: 10 am–5 pm, The Met Breuer: Temporarily closed for renovation. Check the status of this location.
Hours and events are subject to change, so it is recommended that you visit the official site first.
Tickets and Admission
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a pay-what-you-wish admission policy for New York State residents and students from New Jersey and Connecticut. General admission for other visitors is $30 for adults, $22 for older people, and $17 for students. Children 12 and under are free. Online or at the Museum entrance.
Prospective guests can purchase tickets in advance to reduce long lines. Memberships come with additional perks like free admission and special access to events not open to the general public.
Latest Developments
Constantly transforming, the Metropolitan Museum of Art keeps it fresh, with events capturing public attention. That series—one of which was just unveiled at auction, making us very excited for Anti-Modern Modernist Fridays (or maybe Wednesdays)—is called “The Modernist Revolution.” As it happens we just learned that a major exhibition highlighting critical works from the 20th century will be taking place soon. The show is scheduled for a big run from October 15 — February 29, making it a must-see of the season.
Additionally, The Met has initiated various educational programs to engage the community. These programs focus on art appreciation, creativity, and critical thinking. They aim to enhance access to art for all, fostering a deeper connection between the public and the museum’s collection.
The Met has also been increasingly active in its commitment to diversity and inclusion through its acquisitions and exhibitions. Capturing a wide array of cultures and backgrounds, the museum aims to keep art as an all-inclusive language.
