The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York City is the largest art museum in the United States, attracting millions each year with its breathtaking collection spanning over 5,000 years.
With more than two million works housed across two million square feet, The Met offers visitors a journey through global art and human creativity — from ancient Egyptian relics and medieval armor to Van Gogh’s self-portraits and Egyptian temples.
It feels like the more I explore, the more I will see, the more I’ll understand how very little I’ve seen.
Patrick Bringley on The Met
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: ticket options, pricing, operating hours, top exhibits, tips for families, and must-know FAQs.
Table of Contents
Where to Book Met Museum Tickets
Best option: book online in advance
- Online tickets are usually cheaper than tickets at the counter.
- Skip long ticket counter lines and save time.
- Reserve your preferred time slot early to avoid last-minute disappointment.
How online tickets work
- Choose your date, time slot, and number of tickets on the ticket booking page.
- Pay securely online.
- Receive your e-tickets by email.
- At the entrance, show the e-ticket on your smartphone — no printout required.
Met Museum Ticket Prices & Options
| Tour Type | Cost | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Best of The Met Tour (2 hours) | US$59 | Skip-the-line, museum donation, guide |
| Extended Tour (3 hours) | US$74 | Private guide, rooftop access (May–Oct), donation |
Guided Tour Highlights
You can choose from two guided tours at The Met:
Best of The Met Tour
- Duration: 2 hours
- Small group (max 15 people)
- Skip-the-line access + museum donation included
- Explore top exhibits with a knowledgeable guide
- Great for first-time visitors
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): US$59
Child Ticket (2 to 14 years): US$49
Infant Ticket (up to 1 year): Free
Extended Met Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Private, personalized experience
- Tour art from five continents across 5,000 years
- Rooftop terrace access (May to October)
- Guide shares stories, not just facts
- Includes museum donation (no need to pay inside)
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (15+ years): US$74
Child Ticket (2 to 14 years): US$64
Infant Ticket (up to 1 year): Free
Met Museum Hours
| Day | Opening Hours |
| Sunday–Thursday | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Friday & Saturday | 10 am – 9 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
How Long to Spend at the Met
- Most visitors spend three to four hours
- Art fatigue may set in after two hours, so it’s best to stop at a restaurant
- The entire collection can take multiple visits to fully explore
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays: Less crowded
- Mornings at 10 am or late evenings: Peaceful experience
- Weekends and holidays: Peak tourist hours
Need help with which art museum to visit? Check out which is better – The Met Museum or MOMA.
Top 10 Must-See Exhibits at the Met
- Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851) – A patriotic masterpiece by Emanuel Leutze.
- Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat (1887) – Early Van Gogh using pointillist techniques.
- Madonna and Child (1290–1300) – Duccio di Buoninsegna’s iconic work.
- The Dance Class (1874) – Edgar Degas captures ballet life.
- Aristotle with a Bust of Homer (1653) – Rembrandt reflects on knowledge and legacy.
- Ugolino and His Sons (1865–67) – Dramatic sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux.
- Relief Panel from Nimrud (ca. 883–859 BC) – Assyrian history carved in stone.
- The Attitudes of Animals in Motion (1881) – Muybridge’s stop-action photography.
- Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints (ca. 1504) – Raphael’s only U.S. altarpiece.
- The Temple of Dendur (10 BC) – An Egyptian temple rescued from the Nile.
Note: Google Arts & Culture offers virtual tours of The Met’s most visited rooms, including the Temple of Dendur.
Activities for Kids and Families
- Nolen Library: Kids and families can explore books on art and history.
- Audio Guide for Kids: 13 themed tours for ages 6–12.
- Children’s Classes: Creative workshops led by professional educators and artists.
- Time Machine & Videos: Interactive experiences through archived media and projects.
Audio Guide Highlights
- Over 3,000 recordings in 10 languages
- Available at Met entrances, Cloisters, and Breuer
- Features: Headsets, volume control, neck loops for T-switch hearing aids
- Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
Free Entry with City Passes
Use these discount cards to enter the Metropolitan Museum for free:
- NYC Explorer Pass
- New York Pass
- Big Apple Pass: Also includes Statue of Liberty Cruise + Empire State Building
FAQs about the Met Museum
What are the Metropolitan Museum’s collection highlights?
The Met’s highlights include ancient Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, Islamic art, Asian art, and American decorative arts.
How large is The Met’s collection?
The Met is home to over 1.5 million objects spanning 5,000 years. However, not all of them are on display.
What is the Met Cloisters?
The Met Cloisters is a branch in Upper Manhattan focused on medieval European art and architecture.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Manual wheelchairs are available at the 81st St entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Mobility devices are allowed throughout.
Is photography allowed inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Yes, you can take photos inside The Met. However flash photography is prohibited.
Does the museum have a gift shop?
Yes, guests can purchase souvenirs, books, and art-themed items in the art museum’s gift shop.
Are there restaurants at The Met?
The art museum has several restaurants and cafes where members and patrons receive a 10% discount.
Does The Met offer guided tours?
Yes, The Met offers both private guided tours led by expert historians and standard audio guides in multiple languages.
Can I bring a backpack?
Yes, but large backpacks and suitcases must be checked.
Is there a coat check service?
Yes, a coat check service is available at 81st St entrance. However, large camera equipment cannot be stored.
How to Reach the Met Museum
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA. Get Directions
By Bus:
- Stop: 5 Ave/E 80 St
- Buses: M1, M2, M3
By Subway:
- Nearest Station: 86 Street
- Subway lines: 4, 5, 6
By Car:
- Parking garage at Fifth Ave & 80th Street
- Fees: US$39 (up to 3 hrs), US$45 (up to 5 hrs)
In Summary
- Book Met tickets online for the best experience.
- Choose from 2-hour or 3-hour guided tours.
- Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds.
- Don’t miss exhibits like the Temple of Dendur and Van Gogh’s self-portrait.
- Use audio guides and family-friendly resources to enhance your visit.
- Save with city passes for free museum entry and more.
A visit to The Met isn’t just a museum trip — it’s a journey through time, culture, and creativity.
