One of the world's encyclopedic museums. 2 million works spanning 5,000 years. The Egyptian wing with the Temple of Dendur. European masters. The American Wing. Islamic Art. You cannot do it in one visit.
Location
Upper East Side, New York
Map
Insider Intel
Pick two or three departments maximum. The Egyptian collection and Temple of Dendur are essential. The European paintings (Vermeer, Caravaggio, El Greco) rival any museum outside Europe. The roof garden in summer for skyline views and contemporary installations. Accept that you will return.
Weekday mornings. Avoid weekends and holiday periods when the crowds make movement difficult. The Met is open late on Friday and Saturday evenings — fewer people, different atmosphere. Entry is pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents; fixed admission for others.
Founded in 1870 and moved to the current Fifth Avenue location in 1880. The collection exceeds 2 million objects. The building itself is a maze — pick up a map at entry. The Temple of Dendur (Egyptian, 15 BC) was gifted by Egypt and rebuilt inside the museum in 1978. Free coat check. The rooftop garden is open May–October. One of the great museums in the world — plan accordingly.