About The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met houses over two million works spanning 5,000 years of world culture, from prehistory to the present. Its Fifth Avenue flagship on Museum Mile is anchored by the iconic Great Hall and the Temple of Dendur.
Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been welcoming visitors for over 156 years. Today it draws approximately 5,700,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in New York, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 91,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why The Metropolitan Museum of Art ranks #2
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #2, The Metropolitan Museum of Art sits firmly in our top tier — a museum that consistently appears on every credible "best museums in the world" list we track. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice, Condé Nast Top 10.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–5 hours, planning your route through The Metropolitan Museum of Art is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Temple of Dendur
- ◆Washington Crossing the Delaware
- ◆European Paintings galleries
- ◆Arms and Armor
- ◆American Wing
- ◆The Costume Institute
Recognition & awards
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Sun–Tue & Thu 10:00–17:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–21:00. Closed Wed.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–5 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in New York, United States at coordinates 40.7794°N, -73.9632°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was established in 1870, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in New York. With 5,700,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Americas region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
- #6Museo del PradoMadrid, Spain
More museums in New York
New York is home to 9 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to The Metropolitan Museum of Art with these nearby institutions:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #16American Museum of Natural History🦖 Natural History
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #399/11 Memorial & Museum🕯️ Memorial & Remembrance
- #57Whitney Museum of American Art🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #114MoMA PS1🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #115Brooklyn Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #116Frick Collection🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of The Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Sun–Tue & Thu 10:00–17:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–21:00. Closed Wed. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at The Metropolitan Museum of Art?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–5 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is The Metropolitan Museum of Art located?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in New York, United States. The exact coordinates are 40.7794°, -73.9632°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is The Metropolitan Museum of Art known for?
America's grandest encyclopedic museum. Key highlights include Temple of Dendur, Washington Crossing the Delaware, European Paintings galleries. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 91,000 reviews.
How many people visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art each year?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art receives approximately 5,700,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was The Metropolitan Museum of Art founded?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870, making it 156 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
