Found in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the MET, is the largest museum in the United States of America.
The MET’s permanent collection includes more than two million works spanning over 5,000 years of world history.
This museum displays a significant collection of Egyptian, Babylonian, East Asian, European, American, and Oceanian art, among many others.
Not only art and history, but the MET also has the world-renowned Costume Institute and hosts the annual MET Gala.
With nearly seven million annual visitors, the MET remains vital to NYC’s cultural landscape.
Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Extended Opening: Fri and Sat open till 9 pm
Closure: Wednesdays
Best Time to Visit: 10 am or 3 pm
Time Required: Three to four hours
Entry Ticket: From $63
Must See: Self Portrait With Straw Hat, Madonna and the Child, the Dance Class
Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028. Get Directions.
Where to Buy the MET Museum Tickets
You can get tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art either online or at the museum ticket counter.
You can choose from options like an entry ticket, skip the line entry, guided tour or extended private tour.
Why are Online Tickets Better for Visiting the MET
When you purchase the MET NYC tickets online, you can get the tickets without standing in long ticket counter queues or struggling with crowds at the counter.
You can book your tickets online and avoid the ticket counter lines, which take one hour to 1.5 hours.
Booking your tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art online assures your entry and saves you from any last-minute disappointments.
It is convenient to get tickets online since you can choose from available dates and times to select a suitable option.
The online ticket booking page is easy to use and simplifies the process of searching and comparing the tickets, prices, timings and inclusions.
Booking your tickets online gives you more flexible ticket choices and an easy cancellation and rescheduling policy.
How Do the MET NYC Online Tickets Work
Once you book your ticket online, they are instantly delivered to your email.
On the day of your visit, show the ticket on your phone and enjoy your entry. You do not have to print the ticket.
We recommend you arrive 15 minutes before the booked time to clear the security checks.
How Much are Tickets for the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met Museum entry ticket is the best-selling and most affordable ticket option to tour the museum.
An entry ticket with prior orientation costs $62 for adults (15+ years) and $52 for children (2 to 14 years).
You can also upgrade the same ticket to enjoy a private tour, which costs $160 per person.
The next popular option is the Met guided tour, where an expert accompanies you to share their knowledge.
The guided tour costs $68 for adults (15+ years) and $57 for children (2 to 14 years).
Here are the prices for all MET ticket options like entry, guided, private tour, combo ticket, etc.
| Ticket | Prices |
|---|---|
| Met admission ticket | $63 |
| Met guided tour | $68 |
| Met private tour | $126 |
| Met + Empire State Building | $98 |
| Met + Statue of Liberty | $84 |
| Met + Top of the Rock | $97 |
Types of Tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Catering to different budgets and requirements, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a range of ticket choices.
You can select the tickets based on how you wish to tour the Met.
The MET admission ticket helps you skip the lines and enjoy uninterrupted access to all the Met Galleries.
On the other hand, if you wish to learn more about the exhibits in the museum, you can opt for a Met guided tour.
Another option is the Met private tour, which takes a small group of eight to ten visitors on a guided tour.
Visitors planning to visit two NYC attractions can choose a combo ticket for the Met and the other sight.
This helps you save money and the time you spend purchasing two tickets.
The MET Entry Ticket
This is the simplest and cheapest way to explore the museum without going through never-ending ticket counter lines.
This ticket offers priority entry and a host who will escort you through the museum.
With this Met entry ticket, you can access all the floors and galleries, permanent exhibits and temporary exhibitions. The entry ticket costs $62 for visitors above 15 years old and $52 for children between two and 14 years old.
Ticket Prices:
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (15+ years) | $62 |
| Child ticket (2 to 14 years) | $52 |
| Infant ticket (up to 2 years) | Free |
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Guided Tour
You can get the most comprehensive visit of the Met with the guided tour that includes skip the line access and a two-hour highlight tour with a local expert.
The Met highlights tour is the best option for visitors who are low on time and wish to explore the grandeur of the Met.
You can also ask the guide to customize the tour based on your interests and what you wish to see.
This guided tour of Met costs $68 for visitors over 15 years and $57 for children (2 to 14 years).
Tour Prices:
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (15+ years) | $68 |
| Child ticket (2 to 14 years) | $57 |
| Infant ticket (up to 2 years) | Free |
The Met Museum Private Tour
Visitors who prefer a crowd-free visit and wish to enjoy exclusive access to the museum can choose the private tour option.
There are two types of private tours – Semi-Private (group of 8 people) and Private family tours.
Both options provide you with an expert guide who will lead this private tour and provide fascinating glimpses of the art in the museum.
This 2.5-hour tour can be customized based on your interests and group dynamics.
This tour is available at 10.30 am, 2 pm and 5 pm (only on Fridays and Saturdays).
Semi-private tour prices:
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (18+ years) | $126 |
| Child ticket (10 to 17 years) | $111 |
| Infant ticket (up to 9 years) | $90 |
Private tour prices:
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket (18+ years) | $539 |
| Child ticket (10 to 17 years) | $111 |
| Infant ticket (up to 9 years) | $90 |
The MET Combo Tickets
Maximize your New York City experience with Met Museum Combo Tickets, offering the perfect blend of art, history, and breathtaking views.
By opting for these combo tickets, you’ll save time and money and enjoy the convenience of exploring top NYC attractions alongside the world-renowned MET.
These combo tickets are a hit among tourists and locals alike, providing a 10% discount that makes accessing multiple landmarks more affordable.
Here are the best combo tickets we have hand-picked for you:
The Met and Statue of Liberty
Then, experience the iconic Statue of Liberty, a towering symbol of freedom and democracy.
This combo allows you to explore significant pieces of art and history in a single trip.
Combo Price: $84
The Met and Empire State Building
Follow this with a visit to the Empire State Building, where you can observe the city from its famous observation decks, offering unmatched views of New York.
Combo Price: $98
The Met and Top of the Rock
Continue to the Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center’s observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of NYC.
This combo offers a day filled with art, culture, and spectacular city views.
Combo Price: $97
The MET Discount tickets
When booking your MET tickets online, you can get discounts over a range of tickets.
Online entry tickets cost $62 for visitors over 15 years of age.
There are other discount tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for certain categories like children, infants and other groups.
Discounted Tickets for Children
Children below 15 get discounted tickets to enter the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Instead of the general ticket price of $62, they can get entry for $52.
Free entry for Infants and Other Groups
Infants below two years old get free admission to the Met.
The museum is also free for members, patrons, disabled visitors and a caregiver accompanying visitors with a disability.
FAQs About Met Tickets
1. How much does it cost to get into the Met?
An entry ticket with prior orientation costs $62 for adults (15+ years) and $52 for children (2 to 14 years).
The guided tour costs $68 for adults (15+ years) and $57 for children (2 to 14 years).
2. Do you need to buy tickets ahead of time for the Met?
Met is the most visited museum in the US and welcomes seven million annual visitors.
Hence, we recommend you buy tickets in advance to secure your entry to the museum.
3. Is the Met free for NYC residents?
NYC residents can pay what they wish for admission, as can New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut students.
4. Can I buy Met Museum tickets at the door?
Yes, tickets can be purchased at the door.
During the peak summer months, visitors must wait one to 1.5 hours to secure a ticket at the venue.
Hence, buying online is advised to avoid lines.
5. Does the Met sell out?
General admission does not typically sell out, but special exhibitions and events may have limited availability.
Admission tickets are likely to sell out during the summer months due to the high number of visitors.
6. Can I skip the line at the Met?
Buying online tickets in advance helps you skip long lines, especially during peak times.
7. Does Met offer guided tours?
Yes, Met offers guided tours to explore the museum.
The guided tours are also customizable based on your interests.
8. What is the Met extended tour?
Met extended tour is the most comprehensive tour of the museum’s vast collection.
The private tour offers special slots during the extended opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays for a unique experience.
9. What is the cancellation policy for Met tickets?
You are entitled to a refund if you cancel the tickets 24 hours before the visiting time.
However, we suggest you check the policy before booking the tickets.
What to Expect at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
When you enter the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, prepare to embark on an unparalleled adventure through time and culture.
Known affectionately as “The Met,” this iconic institution is one of the world’s largest museums, offering a collection that spans 5,000 years of human creativity.
The museum’s vast galleries are home to countless masterpieces from around the globe, inviting visitors to explore and connect with diverse cultures.
Inside, The Met’s collections encompass various artworks, from ancient Egyptian artifacts and European paintings to American decorative arts and contemporary art.
Each Met gallery is a portal to another time and place, offering insights into different civilizations’ lives, beliefs, and aesthetics.
The museum’s special exhibitions are equally compelling, providing in-depth focus on specific artists, themes, or historical periods.
These carefully curated shows bring fresh perspectives and new scholarship to light, enriching the visitor’s experience with fascinating contextual details.
Interactive educational programs and resources enhance the journey, making art accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether a guided tour or an audio guide, The Met offers myriad ways to engage with its collections, deepening understanding and appreciation of the art on display.
The Met also boasts beautiful outdoor spaces like The Met Cloisters in Upper Manhattan.
The Met Cloisters focuses on medieval European art and architecture in a serene garden setting.
Back at the main building, the Roof Garden offers a seasonal venue for sculpture and panoramic views of Central Park and the city skyline.
The Met is more than just a cultural outing; it’s an immersive experience that feeds the soul, sparks the imagination, and connects you to creative spirits passed over centuries.
Practical Information About the Met Museum
Here are the practice information you need to visit the Met Museum.
Location and Hours
The Met Fifth Avenue
The main museum building in NYC
Opens at 10 am
Hours: Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm
Extended Hours: Friday and Saturday until 9 pm
Closed: Wednesday
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1
The Met Cloisters
Architecture-focused serene branch of Met
Opens at 10 am
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Extended Hours: Wednesday
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1
Explore MET
Met Masterpieces
The Met houses an array of masterpieces, from Van Gogh’s “Wheat Field with Cypresses” to the ancient Egyptian “Temple of Dendur,” showcasing global artistic heritage across millennia.
Galleries in MET
The Met’s galleries span cultures and centuries, featuring European paintings, American art, ancient artifacts, and contemporary works, offering a comprehensive view of human creativity.
Met Costume Institue
The Met Costume Institute curates a vast collection of historic and contemporary fashion, exploring dress’s artistry, culture, and evolution through exhibitions and archives.
Met Cloisters
The Met Cloisters, dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, offer a tranquil retreat with its collection of sculptures, tapestries, and serene gardens overlooking the Hudson River.
Learn More >>
Met Gala 2024
The Met Gala 2024, anticipated for its extravagant fashion and celebrity attendance, will spotlight the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, blending art, fashion, and philanthropy in a high-profile event.
Learn More >>
FAQs About MET
1. Is the Met or MoMA better?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a vast, ideal for those interested in a comprehensive overview of art history from ancient to modern times.
On the other hand, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) specializes in modern and contemporary art.
It is a better choice for those seeking to explore art from the late 19th century onwards, including cutting-edge works.
Both museums are world-class, and your preference might hinge on whether you’re drawn more to historical breadth or modern innovation.
2. Can I take photos inside the Met?
Yes, photography for personal use is allowed in most galleries, provided you do not use flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.
Some special exhibitions may have restrictions, so look for signage or ask a staff member.
3. Is there a dress code for the Met?
The Met does not have a formal dress code.
Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably for walking through the museum’s extensive galleries.
However, appropriate attire is appreciated, especially in dining areas and at special events.
4. Are food and drinks allowed in the Met?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum galleries.
However, the Met offers several dining options where visitors can purchase food and beverages.
5. Does the Met have facilities for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Met is accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the museum offers accessible entrances, restrooms, and elevators. Service animals are welcome.
6. Can I bring a backpack to the Met?
Backpacks are allowed but must be carried in hand or worn on the front of your body in galleries.
Larger bags may need to be checked at the coat check facilities.
7. Is the Met suitable for children?
The Met offers a variety of family-friendly activities and resources, including family guides and workshops.
Many families enjoy exploring the museum’s diverse collections together.
8. Can I host an event at the Met?
Yes, the Met hosts private events in several of its beautiful spaces. Events can range from intimate dinners to large receptions.
For more information, contact the museum’s events department through its website.
