Pamper the History Lover in You at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Top Destination Highlights of Uncovering The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Are you an art lover who wants to explore hidden art treasures? Visit the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art and pamper the art buff inside you. This museum is spread across 17 acres of land and boasts 5000 years of art under its roof. The place is enough to keep art lovers engaged for years. 

So, if you want to explore the diverse art collection, head to this beautiful museum and gather the memories of a lifetime. Scroll down and find the key destination highlights beforehand to make the most of your visit. 

What are the Key Highlights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art? 

The largest museum in New York City and the finest museum in the world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is something you cannot afford to miss. It boasts the most esteemed art collection in the world, thus attracting tourists from far and wide. 

But before you plan your visit, get familiar with all the key highlights of the museum to avoid any unpleasant surprises afterward. Here are the details. 

• It features a collection of more than two million pieces.

• The museum’s collection is distributed among 17 cultural divisions.

• It gathers exhibits and outstanding works of art from all eras and civilizations of the world. 

• From Egyptian Tombs to American abstract expressionist paintings, this museum has something for every type of art lover. 

• The MET remains open from Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday. The Timings are 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

• If you are traveling on Fridays and Saturdays, you can explore the artifacts until 9:00 P.M.

• The museum remains closed on Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year, and the First Monday in May. 

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art was opened in 1870 by wealthy New Yorkers. 

• It is located on the Upper East Side at 1000 Fifth Avenue.

The History of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is inspired by the famous Paris Museum. It was first opened in 1870 by a group of businessmen and civic leaders with the objective of introducing art and art education to the American people. 

It includes a huge collection of artwork from classical antiquity and ancient Egypt, as well as paintings and sculptures by famous painters worldwide. 

The Topmost Treasures of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Since the museum features 2.2 artifacts, you cannot cover all of them in a single visit. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the top treasures you cannot afford to miss when visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Add them to your list and make the most of your trip. 

1. Temple of Dendur

It is the museum’s largest town treasure and a must-see for those who love exploring Egyptian culture. The Temple of Dendur is the only complete ancient Egyptian temple out of Egypt. Here, you can explore the temple’s column capitals, writings on the walls, reliefs, and other details. The upper part of the temple is full of glass curtain walls, giving it a perfect view of the moonlight and starlight at night. 

2. Kanagawa Surf Map

This map was created by the famous Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The picture depicts a flying boat swept by huge waves and a boatman fighting for survival. Many European impressionists have copied this amazing work, but nobody ever came close to the original artwork. 

3. Euphronios Krater

It is an ancient Greek antique dated back to 2500 years ago. Euphronios Krater is a beautifully ornate pottery vase used to hold water and wine. It features a beautiful red-painted terracotta with an opaque black ceramic clay background. The vase is decorated with two scenes; the first is the Trojan War, and the second shows the youth of Athens. 

4. Chinese Buddhist Structure

If you are a fan of Chinese art, don’t miss exploring the Chinese Buddhist Structure when visiting the museum. It is home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of Asian Art in the continental US. You can explore majestic sculptures made of bronze, wood, and clay. 

5. King Henry VIII’s Armor

Are you a GOT fan? If yes, then add the museum’s weapons and armor gallery to your itinerary and treat yourself to King Henry VIII’s armor. It comprises the largest collection of European Armor from the 16th and 17th centuries in the country. The gallery contains two of King Henry’s armors: one was worn when he was healthy enough to go to war, and the other was used during the final stages of his life.

Wrapping Up

It’s time to pamper the art lover inside you. Pay a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and explore the extensive art collection you’ve never seen before. Avoid getting lost in the vast galleries of this museum and discover the best attractions with a carefully planned itinerary. Also, pre-arrange tickets for the museum to skip the long queues.