I’ve been lucky to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art — also known as the Met —twice, and each time, it felt like stepping into a whole new world. The museum is massive, with artwork in every corner, and somehow, I always find myself lost (in the best way) among its treasures.

My first visit there was in 2017, and when I returned recently, it was just as enchanting as I remembered. The Met is one of those remarkable places that never ceases to amaze, no matter how many times you walk through its doors.

If you’re traveling from outside of the United States to New York, especially my readers from Taiwan, I highly recommend adding the Met to your itinerary! It’s seriously the perfect window to understanding our world’s rich cultural heritage.

Though there is still so much to see, I’m excited to keep updating this blog with new discoveries and insights!

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why the Met is world-famous

The Met is located on the Upper East Side, right at the corner of Central Park and Fifth Avenue. It is one of the largest museums in the world, with over two million square feet of space and a collection of more than 1.5 million works of historical and contemporary art.

Founded in 1870, the Met's collection spans a wide range of art forms, including American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, as well as European, Asian, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts and more. It represents over 5,000 years of history, so it’s no surprise that the annual Met Gala is held at the Met, celebrating art and culture.

The Met was founded in 1870, thanks to a group of Americans inspired during a visit to Paris. They dreamed of bringing world-class art to the U.S., and their vision became reality. The museum’s first acquisition was a Roman sarcophagus, and its collection has grown ever since.

Today, The Met continues to house an extensive array of art, representing a journey through over 5,000 years of history.

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what to expect at the Met

Highlights you can’t miss

• EGYPTIAN ART
  The Temple of Dendur

• EUROPEAN PAINTINGS
  Marvel at works by Van Gogh, Monet, Vermeer, and more

• ASIAN ART
  Taiwanese calligrapher Tong Yang-tze, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, known for her polka dot art, and other Asian artists

• AMERICAN WING
  John Singer Sargent’s famous Madame X, Albert Bierstadt’s natural scenes of America

• COSTUME INSTITUTE
  If you love fashion, this is the home of the iconic Met Gala exhibits

• MODERN & CONTEMPORARY ART
  Jackson Pollock’s Autumn Rhythm, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and more

The architecture

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, designed by the original architect Calvert Vaux and his collaborator Jacob Wrey Mould, was originally built in an ornate Beaux-Arts style that was very popular in the early 19th century. With its Corinthian columns and delicate details, the museum embodies the essence of New York in that era.

As you approach the entrance, you will notice the iconic steps traversed by countless celebrities during the Met Gala, a moment that pop culture has immortalized. Once inside, you will encounter another impressive staircase, the Grand Staircase, with columns on both sides, leading you into a world filled with fascinating artworks.

As the collections at The Met expanded, so did the museum itself. Various architects collaborated to create new sections while maintaining coherence with the original design. Each area you explore offers its own unique features, enriching the overall experience.

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special collabs at the Met

Tiffany & Co.

On my last visit, I explored Edward C. Moore’s remarkable Tiffany & Co. pieces, including objects that inspired many of the brand’s iconic designs. Moore, a renowned silver designer who worked exclusively for Tiffany & Co. from 1868 to 1891, was also a benefactor of the Met. His collection, later donated to the museum, showcases his artistic vision and the craftsmanship that defined Tiffany & Co.’s legacy.

This collection was available for viewing from June 9 to October 20, 2024.

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know before you go!

ADMISSION

• Adults: $30

• Seniors: $22

• Kids under 12: Free

• New York State residents: Pay-what-you-wish with a valid New York ID

• New Jersey and Connecticut students: Pay-what-you-wish in person with a valid student ID

BEST TIME TO VISIT

To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays. The best times are mornings or evenings.

DRESS CODE

No dress code, but comfortable shoes are a must—you’ll be walking a lot!

MUSEUM ETIQUETTE

• Keep your voice low like you’re in a library

• No touching the artwork including the frames

• Only bottled water (no food)

• No flash photography, videography, drones, or selfie sticks

PERFECT FOR

Art lovers. Families. First-time visitors. Cute dates

PET POLICY

Pets aren’t allowed in the museum, except for service animals. Keep in mind that emotional support animals are also not allowed

PUBLIC FACILITIES

bathrooms are scattered throughout the museum

PRICING

$$

ESTIMATED TRIP DURATION

Plan to spend anywhere from 2 to 5 hours here, depending on how deep you want to dive into the collections

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check out my Taiwan vlog

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