A neo-Gothic great rising out of Central Park, New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world's most impressive museums. Founded in 1870 and known simply as the "Met," the museum is a New York institution that houses over 5,000 years of art (the oldest holding is a set of Archeulian flints from 300,000 to 75,000 BC) and over two million works including antiquities, artifacts painting and sculpture—to name a few. From the Great Hall to intimate viewing galleries to the rooftop (where the New York skyline is perhaps the museum's most dramatic display), the Metropolitan literally represents the world. The Temple of Dendur, a complete Nubian temple transposed at the Metropolitan, was a gift from Egypt and the Costume Institute's worldly collection of fashionable dress, from the 16th century to the present, is another unique draw. While the museum does have a noteworthy collection of modern and contemporary art, the Met is perhaps most renowned as library of cultural treasures. European sculpture, Chinese Art, Musical Instruments, Islamic Art, Greek and Roman Art, Medieval Art and Armor barely account for half of the Metropolitan's collections. Four million people a year find history and inspiration at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a must for New York visitors.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Cafes
Besides hot dog and pretzel vendors near the Metropolitan's dramatic entrance stairs, the museum has plenty of options for lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks.
American Wing Café
On the first floor overlooking the Sculpture Garden and Central Park, this casual museum café serves sandwiches, salads, snacks and dessert.
The Cafeteria
Light floods in from the large first floor windows at this comfortable, self-serve Metropolitan café near the Medieval Hall. Lunch, dinner.
Great Hall Balcony Bar
On a balcony overlooking the Met's Great Hall, this museum bar serves appetizers and cocktails to the tune of live classical music.
Petrie Court Café
Overlooking Central Park and the Sculpture Garden, this museum café is a more expensive European bistro style café with waiter service and a full bar.
Roof Garden Café
The Rooftop Café is an informal rooftop stand serving cocktails, wine, snacks and sandwiches for enjoying the panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Gift Store
Just off the Great Hall, the Metropolitan's art store sells art publications, jewelry, clothing and prints. The Museum also has smaller art shop kiosks throughout selling art publications and exhibit-related paraphernalia.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Visitor Info
Entrances: Fifth Ave. and 81st and 82nd Sts.; New York New York
Hours: Closed Monday; Tues-Th, 9:30am-5:30pm; Fri-Sat, 9:30am-9pm; Sun, 9:30am-5:30pm
Admission: Admission is technically free, but $20 recommended for adults, $10 recommended for children.
Audio Guide: $6, all day
