Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.
Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.
Hi, I'm Madigan!Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.
Hi, I'm Madigan!Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.
1. Plan ahead
Sprawling across four New York City blocks, The Met’s sheer size can be overwhelming. Preview the collection online before you visit and map out your personal must-see pieces ahead of time.
2. Don't try to see it all
One could easily spend weeks exploring The Met’s massive collection, so don't stress about trying to cover it all in one day. Pick a handful of galleries that inspire you the most and enjoy them—fan favorites include the Greek and Roman Sculpture Court in gallery 162, and the Vermeer collection in gallery 632.
3. Listen in
Learn the stories behind the art and still explore at your own pace with an audio guide, loaded with thousands of curated recordings. Download the audio guide app to listen for free on your smartphone, or rent a player at the museum’s entrance.
4. Stay connected
If you find yourself spending a full day at The Met and need to recharge, down an espresso, and check in with the outside world, make use of free Wi-Fi at the Bookstore Cafe, located on the first floor.
5. Party at The Met
Friday and Saturday evenings, the Great Hall Balcony Café becomes a nightlife destination with cocktails, live music, and small plates—all with an epic view over the museum’s Great Hall.
Ways to Experience The Met
