The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the world. Located in New York City, the Met is home to over two million works of art spanning five thousand years of human culture, from prehistory to the present. The museum’s collection includes masterpieces from all over the world, from ancient Egypt to modern art.
History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met was founded in 1870 by a group of American citizens as a place to house the growing art collection of the city. The museum was originally located in the former Douglas Mansion, but later moved to its current location in Central Park. Over the years, the museum has grown to become one of the most renowned art institutions in the world. Today, the Met is home to over two million works of art from around the world.
Collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met houses a vast array of art collections, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and more. The museum’s permanent collection is divided into nineteen curatorial departments, ranging from Ancient Near Eastern Art to Modern and Contemporary Art. Each department features a selection of works from different time periods and cultures.
Ancient Near Eastern Art
The Ancient Near Eastern Art collection includes works from ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Near East. Highlights of this collection include a selection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, such as the Bust of Hatshepsut and the Temple of Dendur. The collection also includes a selection of ancient Near Eastern sculptures, such as the famous Lamassu.
European Paintings
The European Paintings collection at the Met features works from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century. Highlights of this collection include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, and van Gogh. The museum also houses a selection of Baroque and Rococo paintings, as well as works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.
Exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
In addition to its permanent collection, the Met also hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. Recent exhibitions have featured works by contemporary artists, such as Ai Weiwei and Anselm Kiefer, as well as fashion exhibitions and retrospectives of renowned artists.
Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 5:30pm. Admission to the museum is pay-what-you-wish, with a suggested admission of $25 for adults. Visitors can also take advantage of a variety of educational programs, including tours, lectures, and family programs.
- Tours – The Met offers a variety of guided tours, including general tours, highlights tours, and in-depth tours.
- Lectures – The museum hosts a variety of lectures and symposia, featuring leading scholars and curators from around the world.
- Family Programs – The Met offers a variety of family-friendly programs, including hands-on art activities, workshops, and gallery talks.
The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most iconic art institutions in the world. With its vast collections and diverse exhibitions, the museum offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a lifelong art enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Met is sure to delight and inspire.