Metropolitan
Connecting People to Art Across Time and Cultures.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s mission is to collect, study, conserve, and present significant works of art across time and cultures, connecting people to creativity, knowledge, ideas, and one another.
Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive art museums. Located in New York City, the museum houses more than 1.5 million works of art spanning over 5,000 years of human history. Its collections encompass art from across the globe, including ancient civilizations, European masterpieces, Asian art, Islamic art, and modern and contemporary works. The Met operates two iconic locations: The Met Fifth Avenue, its main building overlooking Central Park, and The Met Cloisters, dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.
Through its extensive collections, exhibitions, research, and educational programs, The Met fosters cross-cultural dialogue and a deeper understanding of artistic traditions, connecting historical perspectives with contemporary creative practices.
History
Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art was established by a group of American citizens, including businessmen, artists, and cultural leaders, with the goal of bringing art and art education to the American public. The museum first opened in 1872 and moved to its current location on Fifth Avenue in Central Park in 1880.
Over the following decades, The Met expanded its collections, facilities, and international influence, becoming one of the world's leading art institutions. In 1938, The Met Cloisters opened in northern Manhattan, dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.
Today, The Met houses more than 1.5 million works spanning over 5,000 years of human creativity. Through its collections, exhibitions, research, and educational programs, the museum continues to connect audiences with artistic traditions and cultural histories from around the world.
Mission
The Metropolitan Museum of Art collects, studies, conserves, and presents significant works of art across all times and cultures in order to connect people to creativity, knowledge, ideas, and one another.
