Meet the Metropolitan!

Premier Art Museum shines in Manhattan

Mar 8, 2007 Linda J Bottjer

A Grande Dame along New York's Museum Mile, the Met is nirvana to art lovers and novices alike from around the world.

She is known simply as The Met, and sits like a fine jewel amongst the tony settings of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Positioned along Fifth Avenue and Central Park her impressive Beaux Arts façade and massive entrance staircase might appear, at first, more intimidating rather than welcoming.

Push past any hesitation and mount the steps for a world of wonder waits inside.

Unlike other city cultural institutions whose demand of exorbitant entrance fees borders on elitism the Met’s $20.00 donation is suggested and allows one to pay as their budget allows.

At a quarter mile long (four city blocks), with two million square feet of floor space and possessing over two million objects from around the world and the ages, it is an impossible task, even to the most devoted art lover, to absorb the complete museum in a single outing.

Best advice is to plan your attack, and wear comfortable shoes. Some pre trip research online at www.metmuseum.org can enhance your visit and save your feet. Where do your interests lay? Do you want special exhibitions or permanent collections? The website also offers interesting ways for visitors, of any age, to appreciate its collections and exhibits. Children, for instance, like learning the museum’s unofficial mascot is the tiny blue ceramic hippopotamus named “William” and then finding him housed in the Egyptian Galleries.

Ready to proceed? Let's go.

The aforementioned Egyptian Galleries are among the most popular due, in part, to the Temple of Dendur. Now in view of Central Park instead of the Nile .River, as it formerly was, the temple, built in 15 B.C. and honoring the goddess Isis, was awarded to the museum in 1967 after being dismantled due to the building of the Answar Dam. Other items like the gold laden Outer Coffin of Henettawy also attract visitors

Dreaming of finding that knight in shining armor? You are in luck. At the Equestrian Court a line of armored warriors on horseback parade under brilliant banners and are joined by the rest of the Department of Arts and Armor displaying armaments from ancient China, Japan, the Islamic World, medieval Europe to the flintlock rifles of the young America.

More of medieval Europe can be found in the tranquil abbey like gallery at the museum or it’s renowned branch The Cloisters. Located in Fort Tyron Park in northern Manhattan's Inwood section, the facility is actually five segments of actual French cloisters. Please note a trip to the Cloisters requires at the very least a half a day, mostly for travel to upper Manhattan.

Ever wonder what life was like during the Renaissance? A stroll through the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts and European Painting Galleries brings the era alive with objects of everyday life golden chalices and meat chargers, and familiar artists of the time; Raphael, El Greco and Albrecht Durer.

Fashionistas take heart! On the lower ground floor the Costume Institute has special exhibits semiannually on trends or people who made a difference in clothing. The next exhibition beginning on May 9th features Paul Poiret . Women can breath easier as he was the designer who freed women from the corset.

Now into its third century the Met continues to grow and expand making the occassional need for temporary closure of beloved collections. Such is the current case of the 19th century European Paintings, Sculpture, and Islamic Galleries. Scheduled for reopening in late 2007 and early 2008, respectively, major pieces are still displayed. If you are in search of something special ask at the front desks in the Grand Hall.

Moments of peaceful reflection or simply exhaustion can be aided or alleviated by the many seating areas scattered throughout the museum. Imagine sitting in front of the Chinese Buddha wall painting Paradise of Bhaishajyaguru (the Met’s largest artwork), and contemplating its ancient wonders. Perhaps gazing at the epic Washington Crossing the Delaware by Leutze is more your style.

Should you wish for food and drink a varied choice of facilities are offered. Among them are seasonal Roof Garden, the European inspired Petrie Court Café and the Cafeteria which offers both lunch and dinner entrees.

Many New Yorkers choose to end a hectic workweek with a stop at the Balcony Bar. Overlooking the Grand Hall and open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm cocktails, appetizers and live classical music are featured.

Museum tours on different subjects are given free, with the initial donation, daily. Other free language tours are also available.

Take advantage of the wealth of films, concerts and lectures the Met offers. If shopping is a vacation must, the Met can meet your desires. A large shop is located off the Grand Hall, and smaller venues can be found throughout the museum. Should you feel inspired to copy from the Masters feel free to express your creativity - providing your medium of choice is on the Met’s list of approval. Most are. Once again a quick perusal on their website can answer most questions.

After exploring the Met, even for a little bit, you will cherish her as a monument to beauty, education, fun and reflection. Her façade might be formal but underneath it all – she is just a great old gal!

The copyright of the article Meet the Metropolitan! in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Linda J Bottjer. Permission to republish Meet the Metropolitan! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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