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Your guide to The Metropolitan Museum of Art hours & best time to visit

Your guide to The Metropolitan Museum of Art's opening hours & best time to visit

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Timings: The Met is open between 10 AM and 5 PM from Sunday to Tuesday, and on Thursday. It is open from 10 AM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Night hours: Open until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Closed: Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, and the first Monday in May.

Duration of visit: With tens of thousands of objects on view at any given time in The Met's two-million-square-foot building, give yourself about 3-4 hours to explore the museum’s various collections.

Best time to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Peak season vs low season

  • Late May through early September are peak tourist months in New York city with holiday goers making the most of the Summer months and warmer weather.
  • The museum would offer a great respite from the summer heat. You can easily spend hours exploring The Met while still getting the full New York experience albeit with some air conditioning.
  • Visiting New York in late Spring which falls in late March through late April will mean lesser tourist footfall. Winter falls between December and February in New York and the city will be bustling with winter activities.

Peak season: May to September
Low season: December to March

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Weekday vs weekend

  • Wednesday and Thursday mornings are often less busy than other times of the week at The Met. Mornings are generally less busy than afternoons and evenings.
  • For smaller crowds, shorter lines and a quieter experience, visit The Met on weekdays.
  • With fewer people around, you can also spend as much time as you want on each collection and on your favorite artwork.

How long should I spend at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

We suggest you keep aside three to four hours when you plan on visiting The Met. The Museum is one of the biggest in the world in terms of size and has an exhaustive collection of artwork spread across various galleries.

You might not be able to completely enjoy the full museum in one visit. Make the most of your visit to The Met through guided tours.

These guided tours help you cover the must-visit attractions within the museum while giving you brief histories of the artwork. This includes walking through the Ancient Egyptian Galleries to see the Temple of Dendur, seeing paintings by famous artists like Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet, and more!




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Frequently asked questions about The Metropolitan Museum of Art

What are The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s opening hours?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art welcomes visitors from 10 AM to 5 PM from Sunday to Tuesday, and on Thursday, extending its hours to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Is The Metropolitan Museum of Art open every day?

No, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed on Wednesdays.

When is The Metropolitan Museum of Art closed?

Apart from Wednesdays, The Metropolitan Museum of Art remains closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May.

How long should I spend at The Metropolitan Museum of Art?

We suggest spending about three or four hours to make the most of your visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What is the best time to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art?

The best time to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art are Wednesday and Thursday mornings because they are often less busy than other times of the week. Mornings are generally less busy than afternoons and evenings.

Is The Metropolitan Museum of Art open on public holidays?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May.

Should I visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art on a public holiday?

Public holidays and weekends are a busy time at attractions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Plan your visit on a weekday instead for a more peaceful experience.

What are the opening hours on public holidays?

The opening hours during public holidays remain the same as always - 10 AM to 5 PM from Sunday to Tuesday, and on Thursday. 10 AM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday.