Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (must see)

Regarded as the largest and most comprehensive museum in the Western hemisphere, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 by a collective of American businessmen, artists, and intellectuals. Initially located at 681 Fifth Avenue, its mission was to safeguard and foster appreciation for some of the world's most exceptional artistic creations.

The museum's Gothic Revival red-brick facade was initially designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould. However, in 1926, it underwent a transformation, resulting in the grand entrance we see today, embellished with majestic white columns. Although a significant portion of the original facade has been replaced, a fragment still remains visible from the Robert Lehman Wing, providing a glimpse towards the galleries of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.

With an annual attendance surpassing 4 million visitors, The Met welcomes art enthusiasts from around the globe who come to admire the vast collection of over 2 million artworks it houses. Even with multiple visits, it would be challenging to explore more than a fraction of the museum's permanent collection. The vast paintings anthology had a modest beginning in 1870 with a small donation of 174 European paintings and has now swelled to include works spanning 5,000 years of world culture, from the prehistoric to the present and from every corner of the globe.

The Met is organized into various smaller museums within its buildings. The American Wing, for example, houses an extensive collection of American paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, including period rooms that offer insights into domestic life throughout the nation's history. The Egyptian collection rivals that of Cairo, while the Islamic art exhibition remains unparalleled. The Met also showcases a mass of 2,500 European paintings, as well as an impressive selection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works. Noteworthy renovations have taken place, such as the refurbishment of the Islamic art galleries in 2008, following a decade-long restoration of the Greek & Roman collection. These redesigned spaces display artworks that had been in storage for many years, ensuring that even frequent visitors will discover something fresh to admire, including the museum's newly restored, world-renowned Etruscan chariot.

Other prominent collections encompass arms and armor, Asian art, costumes, European sculpture and decorative arts, medieval and Renaissance art, musical instruments, drawings, prints, ancient antiquities from various regions, photography, and modern art. Furthermore, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions and performances throughout the year, further solidifying its status as a world-class institution with Central Park serving as its picturesque backdrop.

Why You Should Visit:
Thousands of masterpieces gathered within the space of two million square feet!
There's something for every art lover here, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, interest or familiarity.

Tips:
To prevent exhaustion, it is advisable to divide your visit into multiple sessions. By utilizing entry tickets that grant access to the museum for a three-day period, you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and take breaks as needed. Additionally, these tickets may also include entry to some Met annexes located elsewhere in NYC, further enhancing your cultural experience.
Given the museum's immense size, seating can be scarce during busy weekends. If you find yourself in need of a restful spot, the ideal location to unwind is the serene furniture storage area on the 2nd floor, which exudes an air of elegance and offers a selection of plush, modern upholstered chairs that provide utmost comfort. When in need of a respite from the abundance of cultural riches, visitors can otherwise enjoy a snack at the American Wing Café or have lunch in the cafeteria. For a more indulgent experience, there is the option to dine at the Members Dining Room, which offers a breathtaking view of the park. During the summer, ascending to the Roof Garden Café presents an opportunity to savor a glass of wine while admiring the unparalleled beauty of Central Park, without breaking the bank.