Metropolitan Museum of Art

05/19/2008 Posted by sharopooks

What can one say about this museum that hasn't already been said? This is an incredible place for anyone interested in art to visit. I moved to NYC in the 80s for college, I loved how whether visiting here for a school assignment, or w/ friends seeking an afternoon immersed in another world, I would always see something different at the Met. That hold true through today. One thing that had always helped me get the most out of Met visits is picking one or two departments/exhibits per person to see, then heading for those, allowing yourselves to be distracted along the way. If you go here without even a rough plan, you're sure to get tired out within the first several galleries in the front, LOL. We just visited recently to check out the Koons roof exhibit (terrific on a nice day, there's also a cool Rodin up there) then to see the Costume Institute's fun Superheroes exhibit, while wandering historic rooms that I had seen many times before displaying European decorative art & stumbling upon some modern paintings that we had never seen...it was a wonderful afternoon at the Met. I've never taken a tour here but I imagine if you're visiting from out of town & can only visit once, that maybe it's a good idea. OR, just pick a few galleries to see, meander towards them, & promise yourself you'll see other parts of the museum another day in your life. They do have a "suggested" admission ($20 for adults) & they request those visiting special exhibits pay the full amount. But if you're strapped for cash, there's no guilt in giving the several dollars you can spare (less than that I think would be slightly obnoxious but yet still allowed). From the moment you take in the impressive facade, ascend the massive stairs & enter the museum, until the time you leave, you will transport yourself to a spectacular world of art. Truly a must-see.

Pros: An entire world of amazing art, "suggested" admission

Cons: Not enough time to see it all, can get crowded

07/12/2007 Posted by steph_nyc_07

I made the unfortunate mistake of not reading the "fine print" about the museum's hours on line. It states it is open until 5:30pm (missed that the "galleries are cleared at 5:15"), and I met a friend there just after 4pm, paid a reduced admissions fee (which received disgusted looks from my cashier), confirmed that the museum was open until 5:30, only to be literrally escorted out of the exhibit I was viewing on the 2nd floor at 5:05pm! Bathrooms were locked, galleries were closed, and we were being rushed out of there like the place was on fire!!! I know that it is only a matter of 15-20 minutes, but this was ridiculous! I don't understand the closing time of 5:30 if in reality the museum closes MUCH earlier! It's just a matter of principle. I'm furious, and I love the museum, but I will have to cool down quite a bit before I go back again.

Pros: It's the Met, of course it's amazing!

Cons: Rude and pushy staff members

06/11/2007 Posted by taptood

I had went to the museum one day with my sister. We were both having a very enjoyable time together, when I noticed someone was calling on my cell phone (it was on silent). I answered it and was talking in a voice so low (lower than most people who were talking about the items in the museum they were viewing) when a security guard SCREAMED at me to "CLOSE YOUR PHONE. THERE ARE NO PHONES ALLOWED IN THE MUSEUM." I was so startled and offended at his rude tone, that I immediately shut the phone and placed it in my bag. He continued to say that same exact line, 2 times after I had already shut my phone, getting louder and louder each time. At this point, each person in the section of the museum was staring at me and others in other sections came over to look what was happening. I have never been more mortified in my entire life. After saying to the guard, "I have already shut my phone - I heard you the first time" he repeated that line to me AGAIN. I have never in my entire life been treated like that before by somebody. I think the reason being is because I look young, although I am well into my adult years. In other sections of the museum, I noticed other people with cameras and cell phones, and in response a guard would politely come over and ask them to put it away. This incident completely ruined the rest of the experience I had in the museum and spoiled my day. It's such a shame such a good museum has to staff it would horrible employees.

Pros: Loved the exhibits and most workers were extremely helpful and nice

Cons: Got yelled at like I was 5 years old

11/14/2006 Posted by bigeater81

the Met never fails to be amazing. it's a treasure that we're fortunate to have right in our own backyard

04/02/2004 Posted by joelrwilliams

If you have any interest in art at all, this is a must visit. Plan one full day at the Met. In this 6 hours, you'll see a fraction of what is on exhibit. Go to the info desk and request the list of free tours. I suggest the museum overview tour. You'll get highlights and will see things you might want to go back to visit. Step outside and grab a dog from the 'umbrella room' to save some cash on lunch. If you can't find something here that moves you, I feel sorry for you.

Pros: Value, Collection, Will want to return

09/24/2003 Posted by roobert

This place is wonderful! There's something for everyone at the Met, whether you're interested in Ancient Egypt, Greece, Africa, Asia, Medieval religious art, Arms and Armor, paintings - you name it, the Met's got it! Just be sure to give yourself a full day to explore its wonders. We were there for almost five hours and were still discovering things to see when the museum's closing hours caught up to us. There's SO much to see! But one word of warning - if you get hungry exploring the Met, go somewhere else to eat! The food in the 'cafeteria' is way too overpriced!!! I had a smoked turkey sandwich on what looked like a dinner roll, and some soggy Caesar salad on a 6" bread plate with a can of diet soda for about $15. Go for the Art, not the food. :) And be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Pros: Awesome Exhibits, TONS to see

Cons: Overpriced food

09/02/2003 Posted by rudee

An amazing collection of Art and exhibits. Don't make the same mistake I made by not allowing yourself plenty of time to move through the various floors & halls. I would recommend a minimum of 4 hours. The Arms & Armor section was my personal favorite, along with the Egyptian Art. Overall, a must see when in Manhattan. Make sure you get a printed map or you'll easily get disoriented.

Pros: Massive exhibit

05/04/2003 Posted by WWF

It's one of the best museums I've been to other than the smaller ones in the Quartier de Latin in Paris. Organized and curated well. A must. And if you're a student, you get in Free, so, how can anyone beat free?

Pros: Everything

Cons: Not really anything

05/02/2003 Posted by josephtinger

The times I spent at a Museum, no matter if it was New York, Chicago, Florida, Washington D.C., Bali, Hong Kong, Singapore, and any other place I visited, some moments are remembered by noticing couple (s) enjoying the aesthetics ability of the artist, which for whatever reason, brings a different light to such a date.

01/20/2003 Posted by solomon28

I went to the Met on Sunday, January 19 with my wife and a couple of friends. We were impressed/surprised with what the Met had to offer. We visited the Louvre in October and were impressed too, but I would say that the Met is slightly better. I recommend seeing the African-American Artists: 1929-1945 exhibit. It is there until May of 2003.

Pros: inexpensive, Friendly staff

Cons: Crowded at times