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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive art museums, the Met is an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity from across the globe.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Hugo Schneider, CC BY-SA 2.0

What is The Metropolitan Museum of Art known for?

Commonly called "the Met," it is an encyclopedic art museum in New York City that presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world. Its collection includes over two million works, with notable holdings in ancient Egyptian art, Impressionist paintings, and the New American Wing.

How much does it cost to visit?

Standard admission is $30 for adults, $22 for seniors (65+), and $17 for students, while children under 12 are free. New York State residents and students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can pay what they wish.

What are the hours?

The Met Fifth Avenue is open Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; it is closed on Wednesdays. The Met Cloisters is open Thursday–Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Wednesdays.

Where is it located?

The museum operates at two sites in New York City: The Met Fifth Avenue, located on Museum Mile at the border of Central Park in Manhattan, and The Met Cloisters.

Is it accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the museum offers accessibility-related amenities to make visiting more comfortable for visitors with disabilities.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially known as the Met, is an encyclopedic art museum located in Manhattan, New York City. Established on April 13, 1870, the institution has grown into the largest art museum in the Americas and the fourth-largest museum globally by floor area. It operates across two iconic sites: The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Visitors can explore a vast collection of over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history. The museum's holdings include world-renowned holdings in ancient Egyptian art, the New American Wing, and beloved Impressionist paintings. These expansive galleries provide a comprehensive look at the best of human creativity from around the world. As the most-visited museum in the United States, the Met Fifth Avenue is a cornerstone of Museum Mile. It is situated on the border of Central Park, allowing for a convenient transition between art and nature. In fiscal year 2025, the museum recorded 5,727,258 visitors, welcoming millions of millions of people to its halls. To ensure accessibility, the museum offers specific amenities for visitors with disabilities. Admission is tiered based on visitor status, with a 'pay-what-you-wish' option for New York State residents and students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Standard adult admission is $30, while children under 12 are free.

Visitor tips

  • Plan for a long visit; the museum is the largest art museum in the Americas.
  • Avoid Wednesdays, as the Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters are both closed.
  • New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT can utilize the 'pay what they wish' admission option.
  • If visiting on Friday or Saturday, take advantage of the extended hours until 9 p.m.

Nearby context

The Met is a primary anchor of Museum Mile, situated on the border of Central Park in Manhattan. Its massive scale and architectural presence make it easternmost anchor of the cultural corridor of the Upper East Side.

Sources

Evidence and links