Metropolitan Museum of Art

Come for the art, stay for the rooftop cocktails. A seasonal rooftop garden bar offers views over Central Park, which are especially coveted at sunset. The roof garden stays open into the evening on Friday and Saturday. – Jessica Colley Clarke

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

No museum in the United States is as celebrated as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Overflowing with masterpieces from around the globe, including significant collections from ancient Egypt and classical antiquity, "the Met" provides an unparalleled art experience. Given the vastness of its collection, it’s impossible to see everything in one or even two days.

Tips for Visiting

First-Time Visitors

If you've never been, begin with the permanent collections: the first floor's Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art, and the second floor’s Islamic art exhibits are especially renowned.

Returning Visitors

If you’ve been to the Met before, consider planning your visit around the semiannual exhibitions by the Costume Institute. Another option is to visit the Met Cloisters, located in Fort Tyron Park, which is dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.

Planning Your Visit

Before you go, consult the museum’s website to strategize which galleries you'd like to explore. To make the most of your day, dine at the museum’s top-notch eateries or enjoy a picturesque sunset from the seasonal rooftop garden bar.

How to Get to the Met

You can take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the 86th Street station. The museum is situated along Fifth Avenue on the eastern boundary of Central Park.

Hours

The museum is open Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Fridays and Saturdays, it extends its hours until 9 p.m.

Tickets

General Admission

Admission to both the main building and The Cloisters is $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $17 for students. Children under 12 can enter for free with a paying adult. Tickets are valid for entry to both locations on the day of your visit and can be bought online or in person.

Special Admission

Residents of New York State, as well as students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, have the option to "pay what you wish.” These tickets must be purchased in person with a valid ID.

For more detailed information, including upcoming exhibits, be sure to visit the museum's official website.