Metropolitan Museum of Art: Two million works of art under one roof!
Commonly known as ”the Met” and boasting a collection of more than 2 million works in permanent collection – one for approximately every square foot – the Metropolitan Museum of Art is an institution virtually unrivalled internationally in its complement representative of the world’s entire history of art.
First opened in 1872 and divided into 19 major curatorial departments, each of which could be its own museum, the Met is one of the world’s largest art galleries. A smaller location, called the Cloister, is also part of the Met, and is located in Upper Manhattan, featuring medieval art (see separate story).
The scope of the Met’s works range from classical antiquity, much from Ancient Egypt, to a vast number of collections from around the European continent, and an increasing lot from American and international modern art. The Met is also home to encyclopedic collections of musical instruments, costumes and accessories, and antique weapons and armor from around the world.
Of particular note are the Greek and Roman galleries, the American Wing, 19th century European paintings, and the Egyptian section which includes the Temple of Dendur. Several temporary exhibitions are on display at any given time. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Met organizes and hosts large travelling shows throughout the year.
Last year, the Met re-opened a transformed American Wing, including a new presentation of 12 period rooms. The Charles Engelhard Court saw the greatest change, which now has a cafe overlooking Central Park, as well as more internal glass windows.
Several departmental libraries are open to the public without appointment, such as the Library and Teacher Resource Center and Ruth and Harold Uris Center for Education. Most other departmental libraries are for museum staff only or are open to the general public by appointment only.
Note: it’s a good idea to visit the more popular exhibitions – Greek, Roman, Egyptian, 19th Century European – early in the day, and then move to the less visited sections in the afternoon. The museum is open late on Fridays and Saturdays, and is closed on most Mondays, but be aware that due to the economic downturn, not all galleries may be open during normal hours. Check the Met web site both for special hours and special exhibits.
- by Jim Brown , New York Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jim Brown Jim Brown is a longtime freelance aviation, travel and destination writer and communications professional. A former reporter for Aviation Daily, Air Safety Week and World Airline News, Jim served for more than 15 years as a senior public relations executive for American Airlines, TWA and AirTran Airways.
