Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, sometimes known as “the Met,” is the most prominent art museum. Its permanent collection, split into 17 curatorial divisions, has almost two million items. The main structure, located at 1000 Fifth Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side’s Museum Mile on the eastern side of Central Park, is one of the world’s biggest art museums by area. In addition, the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, a considerably smaller second site, has a comprehensive collection of art, architecture, and relics from medieval Europe. Additional info.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was established in 1870 to bring art and art education to the people of the United States. The Museum’s permanent collection contains works of art from classical antiquity and ancient Egypt, paintings and sculptures by practically all European masters, and an extensive collection of American and contemporary art. In addition, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has an extensive collection of African, Asian, Oceanian, Byzantine, and Islamic art. The Museum has an extensive collection of musical instruments, clothing, accessories, and historical weaponry and armor from all around the globe. There are many remarkable interiors in its galleries spanning from 1st-century Rome to current American design.
The 681 Fifth Avenue skyscraper opened its doors on February 20, 1872. Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the Museum drew 1,958,000 visitors in 2021, placing it fourth among the world’s most visited art museums.
Statement of purpose
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was established on April 13, 1870, “a Museum and library of art to establish and maintain in the said city, to the purpose of nurture and develop the study of the fine arts, and the application of arts to manufacture and practical life, of increasing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and, to that end, of furnishing popular instruction.”
For nearly 140 years, this mission statement has governed the Museum.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Trustees confirmed its statement of purpose on January 13, 2015, and added the following mission statement:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art acquires, analyses, conserves and exhibits excellent works of art from all periods and civilizations to bring people closer to creativity, knowledge, and ideas. A fantastic read.
The New York Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission classified the Museum’s main structure as a city landmark in 1967. The Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized the Museum’s interior in 1977. In 1986, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s main structure was designated as a National Historic Landmark, honoring its massive architecture and its significance as a cultural institution.
There’s more to learn about The Metropolitan Museum of Art, so contact 212-535-7710 to learn more.