The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) is the largest art museum in America. It is filled with a vast art collection from around the globe, attracting both locals and tourists. About the establishment, development and collection of the museum read at i-manhattan.
Establishment and development
The museum is considered one of the most visited not only in the United States but also in the world. As of 2022, over 3 million people visited it. The main building of the Met is located on Fifth Avenue, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
The institution was founded in 1870 by a group of Americans. The collection was assembled in the same year. The goal of its establishment was to promote art and artistic education. Among the founders were businessmen, financiers, leading artists and thinkers, including Henry Marquand, Theodore Roosevelt Sr., the Marquand family, etc.
The museum first opened its doors on February 20, 1872, in a building on Fifth Avenue. The first president was businessman J. Johnston, who donated his personal art collection to the museum. American writer George Putnam held the position of founding director.
The collection grew over time, demanding more space. So in 1873, the museum moved to the mansion of Nicholas Kreuger at 128 West 14th Street. However, this location did not become a permanent home either. Already in 1880, the museum relocated to its current building, where it remains to this day. It is also worth noting that between 1879 and 1895, the museum provided professional training in the arts. Additionally, in 1908, a museum shop appeared, and in 1954, the Metropolitan opened a concert hall where concerts and lectures were held. Notable performers included Marilyn Horne, Burl Ives, Marian Anderson, Cecilia Bartoli, Judy Collins, the Juilliard String Quartet, Itzhak Perlman, Arthur Rubinstein, András Schiff, Nina Simone, Joan Sutherland and André Watts. Lectures on dance, theater, social history, art history, music and more were also conducted in the hall.
The Metropolitan Museum celebrated its centenary from October 1969 to spring 1971. Such big events as excursions, public events, concerts, lectures, exhibitions and symposiums took place during this time.
In 2018, an admission fee of $25 was introduced for foreign and non-resident visitors. In 2020, the museum was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collection
The modern collection of the institution contains over 2 million works.
The collection is divided into seventeen separate departments, each managed by a special team of scholars and curators. Overall, the collection includes art from the Middle East, Africa, America, Asia, Egypt, Europe, Greece and Rome. The museum also houses weapons, costumes, drawings, engravings, musical instruments, photographs from around the world, etc.
Building
The building was designed by architects C. Vaux and Jacob W. Mould. Initially being a relatively small structure, it was later gradually expanded. Wing C, its twin brother, was opened in 1894. Hunt’s Wing D was constructed in 1902. Thanks to this addition, the museum has a magnificent facade on Fifth Avenue and a grand hall. American architectural firm McKim, Mead & White carried out further expansion. From 1907 to 1926, six new wings were built. In 1907, Wing E was opened, which included the Rainey Auditorium. In 1910, Wing F was completed, housing the arms and armor department. Also in 1910, a new Wing G featured a library. Wing H was opened with Egyptian art in 1913. Subsequently, Wings K and J were added as well.