Travel tidbits… The Met

Travel

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Sometimes travel adventures are found in unusual places. As my children are getting older, I’m discovering this with every visit to a cultural institution, historic battlefield, and even the sites where classic movies have been shot.

We recently discovered that one specific location held all three of these.

Our ballerina, Little Spielberg, and nuclear scientist, all found something that they were fascinated with upon our first visit to The MET in New York City.

By the time we completed that first visit, we had barely covered one third of what the entirety of the Met has to offer. I see how it could be so easy to spend a full week, just examining the enormous structures and intricate treasures of this palace of masterpieces.

And for those of you who are fans of high art, there may be no place on earth that can match the collection of great works, displayed in such tranquility and calm.

So whether you’re booking your bucket list trip to the world‘s greatest city, or you are now convinced to book that follow up, carve out time to spend unhurried hours examining everything from ruins to armor to pointillism.

And in that spirit here are 10 fun and fascinating tidbits about The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York City:

1. A Monumental Collection

The Met houses over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of global culture, making it the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere.

2. The Temple of Dendur

One of the museum’s most iconic pieces is the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian temple dating back to 15 BCE. It was gifted to the U.S. by Egypt in 1965 and reconstructed in a gallery with a reflecting pool and a wall of windows overlooking Central Park.

3. Mythical Creatures Galore

The Met’s collections feature numerous mythical creatures, including sphinxes, dragons, unicorns, satyrs, harpies, mermaids, and mermen, represented across various departments such as Egyptian, Greek and Roman, and Islamic art.

4. The Met Cloisters

Located in Fort Tryon Park, The Met Cloisters is dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. It incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters and houses over 5,000 objects.

5. The Met Gala

The Met Gala, held annually at the museum, is a major fundraising event for the Costume Institute. Known for its extravagant fashion, the 2024 gala raised over $26 million and featured a fairytale forest theme.

6. Musical Instruments Collection

The museum boasts a collection of approximately 5,000 musical instruments from around the world, including a bird-shaped Mexican whistle from the first millennium and a triple-necked lyre-guitar.

7. Retirement of the Iconic Metal Buttons

In 2013, The Met retired its iconic metal admission buttons, a staple since 1971, due to rising metal costs. They were replaced with adhesive stickers.

8. The Met’s Original Structure

The museum’s original Fifth Avenue building, constructed in 1880, is now largely hidden by subsequent expansions. However, parts of the original red-brick facade are still visible in the Robert Lehman Wing.

9. Residential Floral Artist

The Met employs a resident floral artist who creates elaborate flower arrangements throughout the museum, enhancing the aesthetic experience for visitors.

10. Extensive Libraries

The museum’s Thomas J. Watson Library holds approximately 900,000 volumes, including rare books and auction catalogs, supporting research and scholarship.

For tickets, and descriptions of all the exhibits including new ones being added soon. Just click here: The MET in NYC!

Whether you’re an art aficionado or a curious traveler, The Met offers a treasure trove of history, culture, and unique experiences waiting to be explored.