THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART...The best American Art Museum you ever MET !!
Written: Dec 30 '03 (Updated Dec 13 '05)
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Pros: It is immense and holds fantastic treasures. Fantastic traveling exhibits.
Cons: It is immense and though one day can be satisfying, it's not nearly enough time.
The Bottom Line: So many treasures of the world are under one roof.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Metropolitan Museum of Art |
A couple of nights ago we went into the city. Once again my wife and I spent time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the MET. They have many exhibits that come in and go. This time we took in a show about the 16th century artist, El Greco.
It was fantastic! The show exhibits over sixty of El Greco's paintings spanning his life from Crete, to Rome and Venice and finally to Toledo, Spain where he did most of his final works. We used headphones to guide us through/
SOME FACTS
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
New York, New York 10028-0198
General Information: 212-535-7710
TTY: 212-570-3828 or 212-650-2551
This museum, that is on Fifth Ave, sits on the eastern border of Central Park. It spans about four city blocks from 80th to 84th streets. This huge museum is jamb packed with millions of art pieces.
Parking
The museum does have its own parking garage. The fees are reasonable by NYC terms. Expect to pay $26.00 for up to ten hours with a validated parking ticket stamped at the admissions desk. This last time we parked the car, did the museum, and then hopped into a cab to the midtown area to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and surrounding area. We cabbed back uptown at the end of the night. Buses run regularly from the museum too. You must have a metro-card or exact change for $2.00, no bills. Subway entrances are a few of blocks crosstown, they are not especially convenient.
The garage is well lit and safe feeling.
Hours
Friday 9:30 a.m.ץ:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m.ץ:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:30 a.m.ס:30 p.m.
Monday Closed*
Tuesday 9:30 a.m.ס:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9:30 a.m.ס:30 p.m.
Thursday 9:30 a.m.ס:30 p.m.
The museum is closed January 1, Thanksgiving Day, December 25
It is also closed on Mondays. There are a couple of Mondays it is open during the year. The Monday between Christmas New Years is one of those days.
Galleries are cleared at 5:15 p.m., Sunday–Thursday, and 8:45 p.m., Friday and Saturday
Prices
The suggested fee is $12.00 adults, $7.00 children. Now please,at this point, I am not suggesting to not give the museum what it is due. The museum is worth every dollar and the costs to maintain and keep exhibits coming in are incredibly expensive.
I have five children and there have been times in my life where I just could not afford the suggested fee visiting a few times a year. We, on occasion, have given less than asked for. It is not a problem and is sometimes the only way to see the arts. Never let the dollar get between your children and seeing the glorious works of art in this building. I believe, by exposing children to the arts at a young age, they will become supporters of the arts in the future.
Upon paying for admission each person will receive a pin that must be worn throughout your visit.
At the desk are maps of the museum. They are not as detailed as I might like, however, they will get you around with an occasional question to one of the many security guards in the building.
Coat Check
All packages and umbrellas must be checked. The coat checks are at the main entrances.
The temperature of the museum is comfortable and I suggest you check your coats. This makes for a much more comfortable and leisurely visit.
The El Greco exhibit was actually a bit warm and humid. The rest of the museum was much more suited for comfortable walking.
Accessibility
The museum has entrances at street level and from the parking lot for anyone with physical disabilities. Wheelchairs are available at the coat check areas.
Rest rooms are available too.
I'll mention here that strollers are allowed all days but Sundays. They are off limits to a few exhibitions. Inquire at the information desk.
There are manned elevators throughout the museums. Most people take to the stairs.
Audio Guides
I mentioned we used these at the special exhibit and they were wonderful. This is true of the full museum. I have found that, over the years, I have walked by great works of art without having a clue as to what the real history of it was and the "story" being conveyed by the artist. The headphones bring the museum to life, through interpretive commentary, for a $6.00 dollar fee. The fee is good for both special exhibits and permanent ones. You may keep them all day and visit in any order you prefer.
The audio guides are available in a number of different languages.
Free Tours
Please note that there are many free tours given by volunteers. You must go to the information desk, call or visit the MET on-line service for this information.
Dining
One of the nice things about this museum is that dining is suited for every budget.
It has a cafeteria that they describe as: Comfortable and bright. Self-service dining. Extensive selection of hot entrées, grilled and cold sandwiches, salads, pizza, snacks, and desserts. Lunch, snacking, and dinner. Booster seats and high chairs available. Located on the ground floor, with access from the first floor behind the Medieval Hall and from the second floor at the rear of European Paintings.
We have used this many times. The portions are adequate, the food and choices are good and the atmosphere is pleasant. We have never had a problem getting a table here.
The Petrie Court Cafe gives more elegant service. The prices are descent by NY standards and the service is good.
In the museums words: Reservations recommended; please call 212-570-3964.
European-style waiter-service café set against the backdrop of Central Park. A menu featuring hot and cold entrées, salads, and desserts for lunch and dinner. Also offering continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and weekend brunch. Located on the first floor in the European Sculpture Garden.
We now frequent the Great Hall Balcony Bar regularly.
This is a lovely setting on the balcony above the Great Hall entrance area. It can get a bit noisy on a busy day. The noise is from the throngs walking below. The setting at small tables among the huge, powerful looking, yet graceful arches, while listening to live classical music, is heavenly. Wines, beers and cocktails are served with light appetizers. We enjoy sharing a plate with cheeses, grapes, figs, and nuts along with a wine or beer. The hours are scheduled as Friday and Saturday: 4:00פ:30 p.m. I believe they may be open at other times too.
It is worth waiting for a table that is relatively close to the music. It makes a world of difference in the atmosphere.
The Roof Garden Cafe is an informal summer special local. It is open, weather permitting from May till September. The views of the park and Manhattan are worth the trip to the roof alone. They serve snacks and refreshments.
Museum Store
Actually there are a few places in the museum where you can pick up souvenirs or art pieces. Sculptures, prints, and framed work are available. Many special children's books are also there as great gift suggestions.
Special exhibits, like the El Greco, have goods for sale at the end of the show area.
The MET has other outlets throughout the world and on-line. I have been to the MET stores in Rockefeller Center and South Street Seaport. We have picked up audio music tapes, CD's and yearly calenders at good prices.
THE MUSEUM
This place is huge. The only disadvantage of using the parking lot is that you do not enter through the Grand Hall area. This is spectacular! I love the grand expanses of it all. There is something very special about it.
The museum covers art throughout the ages and from all over the world. It simply "HAS IT All".
It is worth walking through as many rooms as possible just to get a feeling of the many exhibits there.
American Art
The museum is divided into many sections. The American Decorative Arts section highlights some Tiffany work that is rich in colour and design. This is a permanent display and worth a look.
The American Paintings section has work of the "Hudson River School" of landscaping. Seeing work of Frederick Church and Thomas Cole among others is seeing the beginning of American Art.
Winslow Homer paintings are here too. I particularly like William Merrit Chase's, "At the Seaside". It could be any of New Yorks beaches including Coney Island, The Rockaways, Long Beach, Jones Beach, Fire Island, The Hamptons or Montauk Point.
Though it was painted on Long Island, it could also be one of the many NJ Shore beaches too. The painting just stirs memories of fun filled, yet peaceful and carefree times at these beaches.
Knights and Armor
Another area we just seem to always make our way through is the Arms and Armor section. Observing the Armor that the European Knights wore brings you back to a history long gone. By seeing the size of the suite you can see that we are a much taller generation.
I happen to enjoy looking at the weapons from around the world. Did you know that the MET has the most extensive Japanese Arms display outside of Japan and all its other arms sections rival those throughout the world? It's true. I could spend a day in this section alone.
Egyptian Art
Another VERY popular part of the museum is the Egyptian section. There is a huge open area within the museum that holds an original Egyptian Temple built by Roman Emperor Augustus in 15BC. It was originally moved after a dam was built and the waters would have swallowed the temple site. It was given as a gift to the United States from Egypt.
This whole temple area that is flooded with natural light. It's awesome! Kids will like seeing it and it also gives them a little freedom to explore the open area.
Rome and Greece
If you are interested in Greek or Roman Art this place is for you. Rooms upon rooms of art and artifacts are in the halls of this museum.
There is one section that was two levels high that reminded me of the Tuscan towns we visited while in Italy.
Musical Instruments and Costumes
There are halls with just musical instruments from around the world. Costumes of the world are also given rooms upon rooms of display area.
Photography
The history of photography is explored in the museum with more that 15,000 photos from the US, Great Britain, and the rest of the world.
More art from around the world
Asian and Eastern art have beautifully lit rooms and fine displays.
The Middle Ages of Europe, depicting art of the Renaissance and Medieval Arts are on display and well worth a good amount of time. More Medieval Arts can be found at the Cloisters.
The Cloisters
This is another site that is part of the MET and is uptown situated high up on a hill overlooking the Hudson River. It is a spectacular setting of a Monastery with Gardens. It is particularly beautiful in the spring and should be taken in as a place to get away from the business of NYC. I've been there a few times and the architecture and art within are striking. The museum has directions on how to get there. Admission cost to the museum also includes a visit to the Cloisters.
Though there are nearby museums in NY dedicated to Modern Art, the MET has a very fine collection on its own and should not be missed. I mentioned earlier that we last visited the museum to see the art of El Greco. Two people who were inspired by his work also have their own work on permanent display in the Modern section. I speak of Picasso and Jackson Pollock. Hundreds of other modern works are displayed too.
and more
Another reason we enjoy going to the MET at holiday time is because of the display of the huge indoor Christmas Tree. Here is a partial description in their own words: Annual Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche
November 29, 2003–January 4, 2004
Medieval Art, 1st floor
The Museum continues a long-standing holiday tradition with the annual presentation of its Christmas tree, a favorite of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. A vivid 18th-century Neapolitan crèche scene—embellished with a profuse array of diminutive, lifelike attendant figures and hovering, silk-robed angels—adorns the candlelit spruce. Recorded music adds to the enjoyment of the holiday display. Lighting ceremony Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00.
The lighting ceremony they speak of should not be missed. It has become a sort of tradition for us. The huge room darkens as does the tree. Music starts to fill the halls and then spot lights start to shine upon the angels and creche figures. The lights brighten slowly until the tree and creche are once again fully lit. This brings a wonderful holiday charm to all that are present.
IN CLOSING
You do not have to be an art student with pencils and a sketch pad to appreciate this museum. It has something for everyone and even kids enjoy it. Remember to always check and see what special shows may be coming soon.
There is so much art I have not mentioned within the walls and halls of this massive three story building. There is so much I have never even seen. Like I said this museum "Has it all". Do yourself a favor and try to see some of it.
This is one of the many great NYC sites found in this book
The Great Sights of New York: A Photographic Guide
NEW YORK museums and places of interest by Popsrocks
Central Park Zoo
The Empire State Building
The INTREPID Sea-Air-Space MUSEUM It's a good one!
Museum of Natural History
The Metropolitan Museum of ART The MET
The Guggenheim Museum
The Museum of Television and Radio
MoMA, The Museum of Modern Art
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
Ellis Island
The Lower Manhattan Tenement Museum Learn how immigrants lived when they first arrived
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
Federal Hall National Historic SiteDowntown across from Wall Street, our first Capitol Building was there.
Jewish Heritage Museum
St Paul's ChapelA living Memorial to 9/11
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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