Metropolitan Museum Of Art: Soak In Some Art And Culture In NYC

I’m not sure how many people are fans of museums, but personally, I quite like them. They usually combine my love for history, art, unique artefacts and random trivia under one roof. So naturally, the Metropolitan Museum of Art caught my attention. Colloquially referred to as “The Met,” (as a short form and not to be confused for the baseball team as Joey Tribbiani did) it is the largest art museum in the States and is always teeming with crowds.

Why must I visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

If you have any interest at all in art and culture, you must go (if not, it wouldn’t hurt to cultivate some). The museum houses collections from Ancient Egypt (you can get a feel of what it’s like in an Egyptian temple!), eclectic and modern art, antiquities from different eras, sculptures, photographs, religious and decorative items, and the list just goes on. Items from Asian, African, Indian, Byzantine, Oceania and Islamic epochs can be found here. There are over two million objects at The Met and there’s bound to be something to catch your fancy.

Hmmm…what sort of art are we talking about here?

The Met plays host to the works and masterpieces of great artists whose works have been recognized over time, including several European masters, not to mention quite the smorgasbord of modern and American art.

Look at the attention to detail in Pieter Bruegel’s works or the madness in Jackson Pollack’s. Take a peek at the works of El Greco, who was a major influence to 20th century’s Cubism and Expressionism even though he died sometime in 1614. Then there’s Goya who is said to have marked the birth of modern art (while also being the last of the Old Masters), notably known for how his work transitioned from light to dark – from pleasant subjects to nightmares and terrors. If Surrealism is your deal, then explore the works of Joan Miro.

Eh, I’m still not convinced…

I see you’re a hard nut to crack, but here’s the deal – The Met has a café and a bar where you can grab a bite to eat, drink a cocktail or sip on some wine – all while overlooking Central Park. You can catch the sunset if you make it there in the evening.

I see, how much will this set me back? What is the cost for ticket at the Met?

The museum has a suggested admission of $25 for adults, $17 for senior citizens and $12 for students; kids under the age of 12 can enter for free if accompanied by a paying adult. Wait, don’t run away yet! “Suggested admission” implies that you can pay the fee but you don’t have to. Since the museum is run by the government, people can choose how much they wish to pay. However, you might want to hurry as there is a chance they’ll revoke this rule to make more money for the museum’s upkeep.

When is it open?

It is usually open between 10 am and 5:30 pm on all days. On Fridays and Saturdays, you get an extension till 9 pm. The galleries will be cleared 15 minutes before closing time. It is closed for Christmas (Dec 25), New Year’s (Jan 1), on Thanksgiving Day and the first Monday in May.

Ah, I see. Will it be troublesome to get there?

The Met is famous and pretty much anybody should be able to guide you. You can easily find your way there. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located on 1000 Fifth Avenue and you can easily take trains 4, 5 or 6 to 86th street to reach the museum.

Oh, but the –

Oh, just shut and go already!

For more information and the latest updates, visit their official website.

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