The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is America's largest art museum, sitting on Fifth Avenue along the eastern edge of Central Park, and is counted among the world's greatest encyclopedic museums with a collection of over 1.5 million works spanning 5,000 years from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. As of 2026 it runs an active program of permanent galleries and special exhibitions, and a single ticket also grants same-day entry to its medieval-art branch, The Met Cloisters, in Upper Manhattan. The collection is far too vast to see in one day, so decide in advance which wings you most want, such as the Egyptian galleries or European Paintings, and plan your route accordingly.
The Temple of Dendur - an entire ancient Egyptian temple reassembled beside a glass wall overlooking Central Park
European Paintings galleries - the 700-series rooms holding masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and more
Egyptian Art wing - an expansive, ever-popular display of mummies and tomb objects
Arms and Armor - a striking hall of mounted European and Japanese armored figures
The Roof Garden - open spring through fall only, with views over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline
Good to know
RulesThe Met is closed every Wednesday. It also closes on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May (the Met Gala), so always confirm your visit date.
RulesUnless you are a New York State resident or an NY/NJ/CT student, admission is a fixed price (about $30 for adults) rather than pay-what-you-wish. Large backpacks, luggage and umbrellas must be checked at the free coat/bag check.
MannersUS museums have a modest tipping culture for guided tours or coat check, though admission itself never requires a tip. Flash and tripods are prohibited, and photography may be banned entirely in certain special exhibitions.
SafetyThe museum interior is safe, but stay alert for pickpockets at crowded pinch points like the front steps and lobby. Nearby Central Park is busy by day; avoid its quieter, isolated areas after dark.
CautionOn the front steps you may be approached by unofficial vendors or hustlers offering 'donation tickets' or free entry. Buy tickets only at the official box office or the official website.
SeasonSummer is peak tourist season and very crowded, while winter interiors can feel hot and dry from heating, so dress in layers. Right at morning opening or during the extended Friday/Saturday evening hours tends to be calmer.
Practical info
Take subway lines 4, 5 or 6 to 86 St and walk about 10 minutes toward Fifth Avenue, or use the Fifth/Madison Avenue buses (M1-M4). It is open Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon, closed Wednesdays, with extended evening hours on Friday and Saturday (last entry 30 minutes before closing). Prices, hours and exhibition schedules can change, so check the official website for the latest details before you go.
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