Metropolitan Museum of Art

Queen Mother Pendant Mask- Iyoba MET DP231460

MET - Neminatha Akota

Vishnu, 10-11th century, Punjab, India

NatarajaMET

Celestial dancer (Devata) mid-11th century, Chandela period, Madhya Pradesh

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, colloquially "the Met," is one of the world's largest and most comprehensive art museums located in New York City. Founded in 1870, the Met's mission is to bring art and art education to the American people. The museum is situated in Central Park along Fifth Avenue in the borough of Manhattan. It has a permanent collection containing over two million works, divided among 17 curatorial departments.

History

The idea for the museum was conceived in Paris, France, in 1866 by a group of Americans. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was incorporated on April 13, 1870, and opened to the public on February 20, 1872. The original building was a Gothic Revival structure designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould. Over the decades, the museum has been significantly expanded and renovated, evolving into the architectural complex known today.

Collections

The Met's vast collections span over 5,000 years of world culture, from prehistory to the present and from every part of the globe. Its collections include:

• American Decorative Arts
• Ancient Near Eastern Art
• Arms and Armor
• Asian Art
• Egyptian Art
• European Paintings
• European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
• Greek and Roman Art
• Islamic Art
• Medieval Art
• Modern and Contemporary Art
• Photographs

Each department maintains a schedule of exhibitions and is involved in scholarly research.

The Met Cloisters

The Met also operates The Met Cloisters, a branch of the museum dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. Located in Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan, this separate museum offers an immersive experience of medieval European art.

Education and Outreach

The Metropolitan Museum of Art conducts a wide range of educational programs and outreach efforts. These include lectures, symposia, and workshops, as well as school and family programs designed to make the museum's collections accessible to a broad audience.

Governance and Funding

The Met is governed by a board of trustees responsible for the museum's operations, including acquisitions, finances, and the appointment of the Director. The museum's funding comes from a mix of private endowments, government support, membership fees, and admission charges.

Visiting

The Met is open to the public seven days a week. While there is a suggested admission fee, visitors from New York State can pay what they wish. The museum also offers free admission to students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

In Popular Culture

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been featured in numerous films, books, and television shows, underscoring its status as a cultural icon not only in New York City but globally.