1000 Fifth Avenue

It’s no secret that the Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as The MET, is a world-class museum with extraordinary collections of original works from several parts of the world. The MET is in a class of its own and will amaze you at one point or another during your visit. Please note that the size of the museum is such that you will not be able to see everything in a single day.

I spent 7 hours there (on Saturday the museum closes at 9 p.m.) and we had to skip certain parts. It is difficult to suggest an ideal route because I am of the opinion that it is good to let your wonder guide you and to take your time when the subject challenges you. There is so much art that I can just tell you to enjoy what you see. The site is simply full of treasures.

We chose to enter via the 81st street entrance and the access was quick. If you enter through the Great Hall central portal the inside orientation is easier. On the right you will arrive in the section of Egyptian art, on the left towards the art of Greek and Roman antiquity and you can then progress as you wish.

The 1870 building exhibit works from several parts of the world will transport you like a journey around the world and through time. You will find the different collections via this link: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection

I personally appreciated the following sections:

• Antiquity / Egyptian arts
  • Temple de Dendur
  • The Tomb of Meketre
  • Statues of the Female King Hatshepsut
  • Funeral practices
• Greek and Roman antiquities
  • Perseus with the Head of Medusa
• Art of Arab lands
  • The Damascus Room
• French decor
  • Louis XV Room, “The Morgan Alcove”
• Cycladic Art
• Medieval art
• Coat of arms
• Musical instruments
• Asian art
  • Chinese Courtyard in the Style of the Ming Dynasty

It is obvious that this museum ranks among the world’s elite and is a must-see in New York. On the other hand, if it is your first time in the big city and you do not have more than 4 days, I would recommend exploring the city, its different neighborhoods, especially if the temperature permits. Wanting to include the MET at all costs without making any concessions, you can certainly say that you went there, but that is not ideal and takes away from its charm.

My March 2024 visit was to visit the Met and it is certainly one of the most beautiful museums I have visited recently. The exterior of the museum is elegant like a palace with fountains on either side of the staircase and the collections are impressive and varied, even after seeing the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Rijksmuseum in the last year.

In the museum you will find a few places to grab a bite and/or a coffee. There is sometimes a line-up and sometimes limited choices.

If you pass the toilets during your journey, I suggest you stop there. They are not numerous and obviously never nearby when you need them. So seize the opportunity.

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