AW Guide to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

School’s almost out for the summer. I’m hoping to get to a few fun things over vacation (maybe another bucket list?). I always enjoy visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

 

Here are a few tips for visiting the museum:

• Take advantage of the frequent free guided tours. Groups form at the end of the Great Hall behind the ticket counters. I’ve done a few of the tours and they were very interesting.
• This museum is humongous. I’ve been there many times and haven’t seen every part. You can easily stay all day, or pick a few sections and explore in depth. Better to savor what you can than rush through.
• Go on your own! So relaxing.
• Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be doing lots of walking.
• Bag and coat check are available in the Great Hall.
• An audio guide is available for free on the Met app or for $7 rental. (Full disclosure: I’ve never used this).

 

Here are some of my favorite things to see (click here for a searchable map):

 

On the first floor:

Temple of Dendur – Egypt (Gallery 131)

The Frank Lloyd Wright room (Gallery 745)

Tiffany windows and vases  (Gallery 743)

Bronze New York street lamps (Gallery 700)

Italian Studiolo (Gallery 501)

French Decorative Arts – period rooms (Galleries 525, 526, 527, 528)

 

On the second floor:

19th- and Early 20th-Century European Paintings (especially Pissaro – Gallery 820)

Chinese Courtyard (Gallery 217)

 

Also, I’ve never made it to the rooftop but I hear it’s a must-visit.

 

Have you ever read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil D. Frankweiler, by E. L. Koenigsburg? That book is what got me into the Met in the first place.  

 

What are your favorite places to visit in NYC? I’m always looking for recommendations!

 

(Image: Houses on the Achterzaan, Claude Monet, 1871. On view at the Met in Gallery 957).