Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you in the Big Apple? Don’t forget to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, one of the largest museums in the world!

You're here in the famous Big Apple, where you can't get bored! Between a walk Central Park , a visit to the Statue of Liberty , admire the view of the top of the Empire State Building or shopping on 5th Avenue, you will have the option to occupy your stay. But visiting New York is also and above all through the discovery of one or more of its many museums.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as the abbreviated MET, thus appears as a must-see during a trip to New York. It is indeed one of the world’s largest art museums, comparable to what the Louvre is in Paris.

In the heart of Manhattan, the MET brings together 5000 years of culture (from Prehistory to Today) and 250,000 works of art exhibited. It is the richest collection of American art in the world, of ancient Egypt’s art and one of the most important groupings of European paintings and sculptures. All exposed in exceptional museography. No wonder, therefore, that more than 5 million visitors are rushing every year. Two annexes are attached to the main building and are also located in Manhattan: Met Breuer and Met Cloisters.

So to help you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, we have prepared a mini-guide with all the important information to know.

History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is one of the largest museums in the world. It was opened to the public as early as 20 February 1872 in the building of the Dodsworth Dance Academy at 5th Avenue number 681. Founded by rich Americans, he was primarily intended to compete with European museums and make art accessible to New Yorkers.

After an agreement with the municipality of the city, the MET was moved to where it currently resides, on the edge of Central Park. Its construction was partly carried out by the architect Richard Morris Hunt . The original red brick building, neo-gothic, dates from the beginning of the 20th century. Several extensions were made, in the Beaux Arts style, between 1911 and 1926 and more modern between 1971 and 1991.

A total of 280 rooms are located on a surface of 180,000m2, which now houses art collections and millions of visitors. The MET holds cultural treasures to be seen absolutely on a trip to Big Apple.

What to see and do at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York?

You will have understood it, it is impossible to see everything in one visit. For the first time, most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours. It is therefore better to prepare his visit upstream and target what we want to see according to his interests.

♪ 250,000 works are presented in 17 different parts (also called departments), spread over 3 levels. At the turn of the 280 rooms, the MET book a host of unusual discoveries and surprises, such as the Charles Engelhard Court . This impressive neoclassical façade placed under a huge window, which will dazzle you with its beauty. Don't miss either, the phenomenal collection of Egyptian antiquities located in rooms 100 to 138. These are presented in chronological order, between mummies, jewellery, and all kinds of objects. We can't miss it either. Temple of Dinder , which is dedicated to the Osiris God and was offered by Egypt in 1968.

Another must for your visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the European painting department . It presents one of the richest collections in the world of the works of Flemish, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish schools. The forced passage is the work of Rembrandt bought in 1961 for 2.3 million euros: “ Aristotle contemplating the bust of Homère “.

We will also be interested in the sumptuous carpet of Iran in the department of Islamic art, the costumes of Japanese ceremonies, the weapons and armour of the Middle Ages or the superb collection of musical instruments from all over the world.

But the MET is also a program of Conferences and projections short films. You can find the program of these on the official website of the Museum. In addition, you will find on the ground floor of the building, many reading rooms and a library (free access).

For those who would like to take a little break during their visit, you will find on the fifth floor, the Roof Garden Cafe (open only from May to October).

Finally, note that the MET entry ticket also allows you to visit the 2 annexes. The MET Breuer offers modern and contemporary works of art; as well as MET Cloisters will make you travel in the heart of a medieval European monastery.

How to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Before visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, get to the entrance, the Museum map to avoid scattering. Also ask agenda , in which you will find the list of events and temporary exhibitions.

You can opt for an audioguide, in French or English, and so you let the sound of the narrative voice guide. Or simply lose yourself in the maze of the rooms.

How to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

The Met Fifth Avenue

• On foot

To visit the MET, you will have to go to Manhattan, 1000 Fifth Avenue , east of Central Park, at the corner of 5th Avenue and 82nd Street.

• By metro

There is no metro station near the museum. The closest is that of the green line 4, 5 and 6 ; or which will lead you to 86 Street. You will then have to walk between 10 to 15 minutes in the neighborhood ofUpper East SideTo reach the museum.

• By bus

To go by bus to The Met Fifth Avenue, you can take the line M86 to Fifth Avenue.

The MET Breuer

• On foot

From Met Fifth Avenue you can walk to Met Breuer. For that, just take the Madison Avenue and go to 75th (count about 9 minutes walk).

• By metro/bus

- Side is Manhattan : By subway, take n°6 to 77th Madison Avenue and walk until 75th. By bus, lines M1, M2, M3 or M4 serve 75th Madison Avenue from Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue. - West Side Manhattan : First take Metro 1 to 79th Street and then the M79 bus to Crosstown. - From the Met Cloisters : Take the M4 bus directly to 75th Madison Avenue.

The Cloisters Met

• By metro/bus

Take the metro line A towards 190th Street. Get out and walk Margaret Corbin Drive to take the M4 bus.

Schedules and rates of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1 and May 1st Monday.

METHODS

• From Sunday to Thursday: from 10:00 to 17:30
• Friday and Saturday: from 10:00 to 21:00

HORARIES OF THE MET BREUER

• From Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday: from 10:00 to 17:30
• Friday and Saturday: from 10:00 to 21:00

HORARIES OF THE CLOISTERS MET (open daily)

• From March to October: from 10:00 to 17:15
• From November to February from 10:00 to 16:45

Rates

Since March 2018, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has established a mandatory entry ticket for all non-resident visitors in New York (free for residents). The entrance ticket is valid for the 3 buildings and remains valid for 3 consecutive days.

• Adults $25/audioguide tour: +7$
• + 65 years $17
• Students $12
• -12 years : free / audioguide tour (English and French): +5$

Note : it is best to buy its tickets online as well as a cut-file ticket to avoid waiting at the caisses. The MET entry is included in most Pass New York .