The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “the MET,” is the largest art museum in the United States. Every year, nearly seven million people visit the art museum to explore its unparalleled collection of classic, contemporary, modern, and international art. It includes some of the most iconic artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Jacques-Louis David, and Giovanni Paolo Panini.
The museum is in the heart of Manhattan, and a short walk away from Central Park. Since opening in 1870, it has served as a premier example of the preservation and promotion of the arts. The MET even has a rooftop garden with a cozy café and bar where guests can enjoy the New York skyline.
Events to Attend at the MET
Among its many other offerings, the MET features daily museum highlights and exhibition tours for visitors to enjoy at their leisure. The museum highlights are free with admission and focus on select works of art representing a specific period or culture. The exhibition tours vary, such as this one on Apollo's Muse: The Moon in the Age of Photography, which provides an in-depth presentation of humankind’s evolving depiction of the moon over time.
The MET also does a phenomenal job of bringing experts in to talk about significant works of art at the museum. On Friday, September 20, The MET hosts Barbara Jatta, who is the Director of Vatican Museums. She will explore the collaborations between the museum and The Vatican, including Leonardo da Vinci's painting Saint Jerome Praying in the Wilderness. This unprecedented discussion is a must-see; be sure to mark your calendar, and set aside extra time to tour the museum.
Must-See Exhibits
Epic Abstraction: Pollock to Herrera
Also known as Epic Abstraction, the exhibit covers the 1940s into the 21st century. Pieces vary from large-scale abstract paintings to one-of-a-kind displays. Opened in June of 2019, Epic Abstraction highlights some of the most significant painters of the movement.
Visitors can see Jackson Pollock's iconic drip paintings, such as Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), and Joan Mitchell's evocative La Vie en Rose. These pieces and many more encapsulate the artist zeitgeist following the unprecedented loss and destruction of World War II. The works found new ways to express the human condition through extensive and metaphoric compositions.
Frank Lloyd Wright Textiles: The Taliesin Line, 1955-60
Frank Lloyd is quite possibly the most influential architect of all time. His visionary designs drew inspiration from the natural world while his craftsmanship yields structures that are accessible to all.
The MET has a collection of Wright's wallpapers, fabrics, and other home products crafted for the average consumer. The pieces reflect Wright's aesthetic style as an architect, such as the dazzling patterns of Design 104, printed on silk and fortisan casement. The exhibit also has two wooden vases Wright designed that never made it to the public market.
The Art of London Firearms
The exhibition examines the often-overlooked craftsmanship that went into decorating and painting guns in Europe. The collection includes 14 London-made firearms that have rarely or never been on display. The works date back as far as the mid-1800s.
The exhibition reflects a high watermark for artistic contributions to the world of firearms. Spurred via a competition between three London gun makers, these pieces of art manage to combine beauty and quintessential British artistry like no other exhibit.
Conclusion
If you love art, history, architecture, or all of the above, do not miss a chance to visit the MET. You can purchase tickets online starting at $12 for students, $17 for seniors, and $25 for adults. Residents of New York and students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut can pay whatever amount they would like. Tickets are valid for three consecutive days.
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