The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply "the Met," is one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the United States, and indeed the world. Located in New York City, the Met is the largest art museum in the Americas, and one of the largest in the world. It boasts an impressive collection of over two million works of art, spanning a wide range of cultures, mediums, and historical periods.
The Met's main building is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue, along the Museum Mile on the eastern edge of Central Park on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The building is a stunning work of art in its own right, and by area, it is one of the largest art museums in the world, covering approximately 2 million square feet (190,000 m2). The first portion of the building was built in 1880, and it has been expanded and renovated numerous times since then.
The museum's collection is divided into 17 curatorial departments, each dedicated to a particular area or time period. These include departments dedicated to Ancient Near Eastern Art, Asian Art, European Paintings, American Art, and many others. The collection is vast and varied, with highlights ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art installations.
In 2022, the Met welcomed 3,208,832 visitors, making it the second-most visited art museum in the United States, and the eighth-most visited in the world. Visitors to the museum can explore the various departments, take part in guided tours and lectures, attend concerts and other events, and even dine in the museum's several restaurants and cafes.
In addition to its main location, the Met also operates a much smaller second location, The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan. The Cloisters is dedicated to art, architecture, and artifacts from medieval Europe, and features a stunning collection of medieval artwork, including illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, and sculptures.
The Met is not only a cultural treasure for New York City, but for the entire world. Its extensive collection, beautiful architecture, and wide range of programming make it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history buffs alike.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's street address is:
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028
United States
The museum's opening hours are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Please note that the museum is closed on major holidays, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
The official website for the Metropolitan Museum of Art is:
On the website, visitors can explore the museum's collections, plan their visit, purchase tickets, and learn about the various events and exhibitions taking place at the museum. Additionally, the website offers a wide range of educational resources, including online courses, teacher resources, and virtual tours.