The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most beloved places in New York City, with a collection of two million artworks that represent 5000 years of history. From ancient Sasanian textiles to Henry VIII’s armor, Dutch masters like Vermeer to contemporary designers like Marc Jacobs, the Met has something for everyone. Founded 151 years ago with the intention of educating and edifying a teaming city of immigrants, the Met has been featured in the verses of Leonard Cohen and Jorge Luis Borges, appeared on Gossip Girl, and was sorely missed when it closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the Met reopened on March 13, 2021, it showcased its global collection in new contexts, inviting fresh discussion about some of its oldest works from contemporary artists. Highlights of the museum include the 1st-floor ancient Egyptian collection, the Arms and Armor Department, the Islamic Art and Artifacts collection, the European Paintings, the Near Eastern Art, the Asian Art and the American Wing. The Cloisters, a hilltop sanctuary filled with medieval treasures, is another beloved part of the Met. Finally, the Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas has been undergoing renovation, with the goal of creating a more vibrant and inclusive display of its cultural artifacts.