The MET is open throughout the week from 10 am to 5 pm.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the MET Fifth Avenue is open till 9 pm.
The museum is closed on Wednesdays.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York remains closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, January 1st, and the first Monday in May.
Here are the opening hours for every day of the week:
| Days | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Friday | 10 am to 9 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am to 9 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am to 5 pm |
MET Cloister Opening Hours
The MET Cloister is open from 10 am to 4.30 pm every day except Wednesdays.
It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1.
Best Time to Visit the MET
The best time to visit the MET is during early opening hours when there is less crowding and rush.
Arrive around 9.30 am and buy the skip-the-line entry tickets to avoid wasting time waiting in lines.
You can expect the crowd to arrive around an hour or two after its opening hours.
The crowd stays till 3 pm, and from there on, it starts thinning as it becomes time for its closing.
If you can not make it early, take advantage of the extended opening hours till 9 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the evenings after 5 pm gives you ample time to explore the museum with little to no crowds.
Best day of the week to visit MET
For a less crowded experience, it’s best to visit MET NYC during the week instead of weekends, which tend to be busier.
Try visiting on Monday and Tuesday as it’s closed on Wednesday.
While Fridays and Saturdays are crowded, plan your visit either during the early opening hours or two to three hours before closing time at 9 pm.
This way you can avoid the crowds.
Fridays and Saturdays offer a special treat with cocktails, light snacks, and live music at the Great Hall Balcony Bar in the evenings.
This lets visitors enjoy a unique atmosphere while overlooking the grand lobby entrance.
Best Months to Visit MET
The best times to visit the Met are during the warmer months.
During these months, the rooftop provides stunning views of Central Park, Midtown, and Upper Manhattan.
January, February, and October are ideal months as tickets are reasonably priced and there are fewer visitors.
However, it’s important to dress warmly with layers to stay comfortable in the cold weather.
How Long Does it Take to Explore the MET?
Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the highlights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
A guided tour of MET takes two hours.
Guests who do not pre-book their tickets spend 45 minutes to one hour in the ticket counter queue, depending on the season they visit.
On the other hand, visitors with an online ticket tend to skip all the ticket lines and get priority access.
This saves them the waiting time and allows them more time to explore.
If you fancy learning about the paintings and allegories of the masterpieces, you could spend all day long visiting all the museum’s sections.
However, if you are strolling around to experience the MET, you can choose how long you want to spend in the museum.
Art enthusiasts usually spend four hours exploring the museum, after which guests frequently experience art fatigue.
Before continuing your tour, take a break at a museum’s restaurants or cafes.
If you are visiting during Friday and Saturday evenings, allot more time to enjoy some live music and drinks at the MET rooftop.
FAQs About the MET Opening Hours
1. Is the MET Museum open throughout the week?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed on Wednesdays. You can visit the MET from Thursday to Tuesday.
2. Is the MET Museum open on Presidents Day?
The MET is open on President’s Day (February 15).
3. Is MET open on public holidays?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is open on three major holidays: Martin Luther King JR. Day (January 18), President’s Day (February 15) and Memorial Day (May 31).
4. What are the Metropolitan Museum of Art Hours on 4th July?
The MET is open on 4th July from 10 am to 9 pm.
5. What are the early member hours at the MET Museum?
Early member hours give select visitors entry to the MET at 9 am, an hour before it opens to the general public. The early entry is available only on Saturday and Sunday.
6. How many hours do you need to see the MET?
You will need three to five hours to see the highlights and permanent collection of MET.
7. What time of the day is best to go to the MET?
Early opening hours at 10 am is the best time to visit the MET Museum.
Featured Image: CNN.com