The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Temple of Dendur was relocated from Egypt to the museum in the 1960s to save it from the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

2. 2

   The museum's Great Hall is constructed from Indiana limestone.

3. 3

   The Arms and Armor collection contains over 14,000 objects, including the parade armor of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I.

4. 4

   The museum contains an original 18th-century French room, the Salon from the Hôtel de Varengeville, integrated directly into the gallery layout.

5. 5

   A significant portion of the museum's initial funding came from the private collection of Robert Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool.

6. 6

   The rooftop garden offers a seasonal installation program and views of the Manhattan skyline.

7. 7

   The museum operates a specialized conservation center that utilizes advanced imaging and chemical analysis for art restoration.

8. 8

   The Costume Institute collection spans seven centuries and contains over 33,000 pieces of clothing and accessories.

Overview

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located on the eastern edge of Central Park, houses a permanent collection exceeding two million works spanning 5,000 years of global history. The institution occupies a sprawling 2-million-square-foot building characterized by its iconic Beaux-Arts facade designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Notable departments include Ancient Egyptian art, which features the Temple of Dendur housed in a dedicated wing, and an extensive collection of European paintings. The museum maintains the Cloisters branch in Fort Tryon Park, focusing on medieval European architecture and art. Its collection is divided into 17 curatorial departments, ranging from Arms and Armor to Modern and Contemporary Art. The museum is a major research hub, supported by one of the largest art libraries in the world. Visitors can access multiple rotating special exhibitions throughout the year. The building is a landmarked structure and remains the largest art museum in the United States.

Insider tips

• Check the online floor map before arriving to prioritize specific wings, as the building is too large to see in a single visit.

• Utilize the side entrances if the main Fifth Avenue steps are overcrowded.

• Wear comfortable, supportive footwear as the galleries require extensive walking on hard surfaces.