Visiting The MET
Even without the coveted invitation to the annual Met Gala, visitors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art can absorb the grandeur of the spaces that play host to this legendary event. Ascending the Grand Staircase, one can easily envision the iconic red carpet moments that have unfolded here, each step offering an increasing sense of arrival and presenting impressive perspectives of the museum’s stately facade.
At The Great Hall, soaring ceilings and elegant architectural details often provide a breathtaking backdrop for the gala’s cocktail receptions. The Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian marvel within a modern museum, has served as a dramatic setting for gala dinners. In contrast, The Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court offers a more serene atmosphere. Envision elegant gatherings unfolding amidst masterpieces of European sculpture.
Finally, though not directly within the main flow of the gala, a visit to The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, provides a different kind of spectacle. This rooftop oasis offers breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park and the iconic New York City skyline, a perfect vantage point to pause and reflect on the artistic journey within the museum.
The Information | Metropolitan Museum of Art
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially known as The Met, are generally on weekday mornings shortly after the 10 am opening or late afternoons. Weekends are typically the most crowded. The museum has extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 9 PM, which can also be a good time to visit as crowds may thin out in the evening.
The Met is closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May.
Nearby Places to See: The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s location on Museum Mile, along the eastern edge of Central Park, places it near numerous other attractions: Central Park itself, offering a vast green space for recreation and relaxation; The Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its spiral architecture and modern art collection, is a short walk north along Fifth Avenue; The Jewish Museum, focusing on Jewish art and culture, is also nearby on Museum Mile; The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, dedicated to historical and contemporary design, is a short walk further north; and The Frick Collection, housed in a Gilded Age mansion, is located a few blocks west on Fifth Avenue. The shops and restaurants of the Upper East Side are also within easy reach.
