Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (short: "The Met") is one of the largest and most significant art museums in the world — over 2 million objects from 5,000 years of human history, in a building that impresses from the outside alone (the steps on Fifth Avenue are a popular meeting point and Instagram spot, known from "Gossip Girl").
The Highlights (one could spend weeks here)
- Egyptian Department: The Temple of Dendur — a complete Egyptian temple (15 BC!), reconstructed in a glass hall overlooking Central Park. One of the most impressive museum displays in the world.
- European Paintings: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Degas — one of the best European painting collections outside Europe.
- Medieval Art & The Cloisters: Medieval art, armor, and weapons. The Met Cloisters (a branch in Fort Tryon Park, Uptown) is a reconstructed medieval monastery with cloisters, gardens, and a collection that transports you to the 12th century.
- American Wing: From the colonial period to modern times — featuring the iconic Washington Crossing the Delaware (Emanuel Leutze, 1851) and Tiffany stained glass windows.
- Rooftop Garden: From May to October: a changing art installation on the roof — with a panoramic view over Central Park and the skyline. Bar with drinks. Admission included in the museum ticket.
Practical Information: Admission: $30 (recommended — for New York State residents: Pay-What-You-Wish). Opening hours: Sun–Tue, Thu 10 am–5 pm, Fri/Sat 10 am–9 pm. Closed on Wednesdays. The museum is huge — plan at least 3–4 hours. Art lovers: a whole day.
