The Metropolitan Museum of Art

World's Premier Art Collection

The Metropolitan Museum of Art stands in New York City as a major cultural hub. It holds art from many places and times, showing how people express ideas through creative work. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures and objects that span thousands of years. The museum’s layout makes it easy to explore different periods and styles without feeling rushed. Its location near Central Park gives guests space for a break after viewing exhibits. The Met serves as both an educational site and a place where art feels accessible to many people.

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Art Museum in New York City

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

Safety: 8.0

General Safety:	8
Accessibility:	8

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5/5

English is the primary language spoken, and staff are knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring ease of communication for international visitors.

Highlights Description Getting there Hotels Tips Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art Summary

World-class for global art collections. Explore vast galleries featuring ancient artifacts, paintings, sculptures and cultural exhibitions.

Opening hours:

Mon-Tue:	10:00 - 17:00
Wed:	Closed
Thu:	10:00 - 17:00
Fri-Sat:	10:00 - 21:00
Sun:	10:00 - 17:00

Public website:

www.metmuseum.org

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, United States

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High season:	April - July, Sep. - Oct., Dec.
Shoulder season:	March, Aug., Nov.

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, 25 December, 1 January and the first Monday in May

Don't miss

🖼️ Admire world-famous masterpieces by Van Gogh and Monet
🏺 Explore the Temple of Dendur inside its ancient Egyptian wing
🌆 Attend a rooftop evening event overlooking Central Park

You've been here?

The Met is not just a museum; it's a cultural institution hosting over two million pieces of art spanning millennia. From Egyptian artifacts to Impressionist masterpieces, the museum offers diverse and immersive exhibits in a stunning Beaux-Arts building on the edge of Central Park.

Visitors can enjoy thematic galleries such as the American Wing, Asian Art Collection and Arms and Armor, plus seasonal exhibits showcasing global contemporary art. The rooftop garden provides spectacular views, especially during the warmer months.

While generally well-maintained and welcoming, the museum can be overwhelming due to its size, so planning your visit with priorities is essential. Crowds peak during weekends and special exhibitions. Note that large backpacks and some photography equipment are prohibited and visitors must adhere to a respectful atmosphere.

The museum hosts premier events like the annual Met Gala, which highlights fashion and art's intersection, along with lectures, programs and workshops aimed at engaging visitors of all ages. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving space that celebrates human creativity.

Knowledge before you go

Book timed-entry tickets online ahead of visit.
Arrive early morning to beat crowds and enjoy quieter galleries with better photo ops.
Pick 3-4 must-see wings like Egyptian, European Paintings or Arms and Armor first.
Use unmarked elevator near Egyptian wing to reach rooftop garden for skyline views fast.

How to travel to The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is situated at 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York City. It is accessible by multiple subway lines, including the 4, 5, 6 trains to 86th Street or the Q train to 72nd Street. International visitors typically arrive via JFK or LaGuardia airports, with convenient access to Manhattan via taxi, shuttle or public transit.

Access summary

From JFK (JFK): AirTrain + subway or taxi to Upper East Side, 60–80 min.
From Midtown Manhattan: Subway to 86 St (4/5/6), then short walk, 20–30 min.
From Newark (EWR): AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station, subway uptown, 60–90 min.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay near The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Manhattan offers numerous accommodations, from luxury hotels to boutique stays near the museum and Central Park, providing convenient access to New York’s cultural landmarks.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Pod Times Square

8.8

InterContinental New York Times Square By IHG

8.1

HI New York City Hostel

8.8

TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square / Midtown

7.9

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

7.5

Radio City Apartments

8.8

Sofitel New York

8.8

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West

7.4

YOTEL New York Times Square

8.0

Royalton New York

8.3

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Packing recommendations for The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Camera

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Comfortable walking shoes

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Reusable water bottle

Universal travel adaptor

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Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

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Costs compared to home

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-11 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 11% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.

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-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City enjoys robust security: well‑trained staff, CCTV, metal detectors and frequent patrols. The surrounding area is generally safe for visitors, though petty theft can occur on busy streets – keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

Accessibility

The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers extensive accessibility: elevators, ramps, wheelchair‑accessible entrances and audio guides in multiple languages. However, some older galleries lack curb cuts and crowding can impede navigation. Plan visits during off‑peak hours for a smoother experience.