Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as the MET, is one of New York's most popular attractions and one of the ten most visited museums in the world. The MET, which was founded in 1870, has one of the world's largest art collections with over 2 million works of art. The museum's exhibitions span 5,000 years and include objects from around the world. The MET also hosts a series of major events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Discover everything you need to know about New York's most famous art museum, a place suitable for adults and children alike to explore with family or friends.
Why visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
1. Discover New York's largest museum
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in New York City. It is comparable to the Louvre in Paris and the British Museum in London. With over 2 million pieces in its permanent collection, you won't have time to see everything. If you can't devote several hours to the MET, focus on the periods you appreciate!
2. Appreciate the magnificent art collection
If you appreciate painting, head to the second floor: the Metropolitan Museum of Art has an amazing collection that will take you through time, from the earliest medieval paintings to contemporary American painters.
The museum houses an important collection of works by European and French painters from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Monet, Courbet and others.
3. Travel back in time to ancient Egypt
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, like the Louvre, has a world-renowned permanent exhibition dedicated to ancient Egypt. The ancient Egypt department is located just behind the museum's main doors.
You'll find many objects discovered during excavations, including jewelry and sculptures.
The most amazing element is however this reconstruction of the Temple of Dendur, an architectural structure that was given to the United States by Egypt in gratitude for help provided during the Nile floods.
4. Discover a sublime view from the museum's roof
The Cantor Garden roof offers a panoramic view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Sculpture exhibitions are also held on the roof. You can even have a cocktail at the Cantor Roof Garden Bar from May to October.
How to visit the MET, Metropolitan Museum of Art?
The MET is to New York what the Louvre is to Paris, high-quality works are exhibited, so you should plan at least 2 hours to visit it.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art opening hours
What are the MET's opening hours?
- Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Attention: it is closed on Wednesday.
- Annual closures: Thanksgiving, December 25th Christmas Day, January 1st and the first Monday in May.
What days is it most crowded?
- Friday afternoon.
- Saturday all day.
- Sunday afternoon.
What days is it least crowded?
- Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sunday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Low attendance.
- Thursday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Average attendance.
Where is the MET located in New York?
1000 Fifth Avenue
at 82nd Street
New York, NY 10028
How to visit the MET with children?
- The children's audio guide: an audio tour of 13 itineraries specially designed for children aged 6 to 12 is available.
- The family map is a free map that allows for an entertaining and educational journey. Ask for it at the information desk.
- Family Guides is an excellent way to visit the museum's galleries focusing on a particular theme: animals, armor, African art, Rome... Attention, clues are hidden all over the artworks!
- The museum library: the Nolen Library caters to children in a separate reading space with over 500 books and digital games to appreciate art.
How much does admission to the MET cost?
- $25 for adults.
- $17 for seniors.
- $12 for students.
- Free for members, patrons and children under 12.
- Admission is free for caregivers of disabled visitors.