Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) — overview, collections, history, and visiting

Collections and scope

The Met's permanent collection comprises more than two million works spanning thousands of years and multiple continents. Holdings range from ancient Egyptian artifacts, classical sculpture, and medieval objects to European paintings, Asian art, modern and contemporary works, textiles, and decorative arts. The museum emphasizes both breadth and depth: departments maintain specialist collections that support research, conservation, and rotating exhibitions that place objects in historical and cultural context.

Buildings and notable sites

The main building on Fifth Avenue is one of the largest museum buildings in the world, with a complex of wings, galleries and public spaces that include a roof garden, study rooms, libraries and conservation laboratories. In addition to the main site there are specialized branches, most notably the medieval-focused Cloisters museum and gardens in northern Manhattan. The Cloisters, opened to the public in 1938, houses a significant collection of medieval art and architecture; see the institution's branch page at the Cloisters.

History and development

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in the late 19th century by a group of American citizens interested in creating a museum for education and public benefit. The institution grew steadily through gifts, purchases, and donations, expanding its collections, facilities and scholarly programs over ensuing decades. For background on the museum's founding and institutional milestones consult history and founding resources.

Visiting, access and events

The Met is one of the most visited art museums in the United States, attracting millions of visitors annually. Visitor policies, hours, ticketing and suggested contributions have changed over time; the museum has historically combined suggested admissions with special-ticket exhibitions and membership programs. Before planning a visit, check current guidance and hours at the museum's visitor information pages: visitor information. The museum also hosts high-profile events, seasonal exhibitions and educational programming for adults and children.

Importance and distinguishing features

The Met is notable for its encyclopedic holdings, active curatorial research, conservation laboratories and international loan relationships. Its collections support scholarship, exhibitions and public programs that connect audiences with diverse artistic traditions. The institution's influence extends beyond exhibition halls to publications, fellowships and community outreach. Highlights and areas of focus commonly noted by visitors and scholars include:

• Ancient civilizations and archaeological collections
• European painting and sculpture across centuries
• Extensive holdings of arms, armor, textiles and costumes
• Public education, conservation, and special exhibitions

For practical directions relating to the museum's Central Park location and surrounding visitor resources, see Central Park and Fifth Avenue location. Whether approached as a repository of historical objects, an active research center, or a public cultural venue, The Met remains a central institution for art and learning in New York and beyond.