Late-Nights at The Met Are My Favorite
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a extraordinary place to leave the chaos of the city behind. Stepping through its grand entrance on Fifth Avenue will transport you to what feels like an architectural oasis. The building alone is magnificent, and the treasures that lie behind its doors are downright astonishing. With diverse permanent collections that would take days to view, as well as equally inspiring temporary exhibitions, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers something for everyone, even if you don’t consider yourself an art nerd.
If you haven’t yet visited the Met, by all means, go anytime your schedule permits. But if you’ve been to the museum during daylight hours but not yet in the evening, you are missing out. The Met stays open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan a nighttime visit––be it a date night or alone. Curious about seeing The Met after dark? Here’s why you should take advantage of late nights at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Because Fifth Avenue is beautiful at night.
One of the advantages of visiting the Met is the location. Sure, Fifth Avenue is known for its high-priced apartments, but it’s also one of the loveliest streets in the city. In the evening, the view from The Met steps is stunning, and walking along Fifth Avenue, taking in the sights and sounds (it’s usually quieter at night) is a not-to-miss New York experience.
To soak in a sunsets from the Met Rooftop.
Late nights at The Met are magical inside the museum, but evenings are pretty wonderful from the rooftop, too. You can see the most spectacular city view with a sunset ever, and sip a cocktail while doing it. High above Central Park, the Met Rooftop Sculpture Garden affords incredible city views (some of the best in town, if you ask me), and you might also get to witness a colorful sky in the background if you catch a sunset. The rooftop is usually open from early May until the end of October, weather permitting.
Besides mingling and taking in the Manhattan skyline and the park, during summers you can see the single-artist exhibition that’s hosted on the Met’s rooftop. Since 1998, works by artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Jeff Koons have been on display.
To have drinks at the Great Hall Balcony Bar…
Spend some time in the balcony bar. On weekend evenings, the bar provides live music, and of course, you can have a glass of wine or try a new libation and grab a snack. Plus, you get a dynamite view of the Great Hall. The bar is open until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with last call at 7:45 p.m.
Because The Met takes on a new personality after dark.
I saw the museum in a new light (literally), and I have to say that this trip was by far my favorite visit to the Met so far. I found walking through the museum at night mysterious and relaxing, and I was able to de-stress and disconnect from my worries and get caught up in the art and the moment.
And then there’s the world-class art.
Sure, its great fun to go to The Met and socialize, get a bite to eat and a cocktail, but the real reason for all of the above is to appreciate art. As I mentioned early on, you don’t have to be an art aficionado to enjoy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, either. The Met offers many exhibits from many periods in history, and you’ll never come close to seeing even half of it in a single visit, so choose one or two galleries and concentrate on those. Then go back another time.
I often visit the museum with my friend Heather. We sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset from the roof garden, and then wander around the Costume Institute, followed by the modern art wing. I highly recommend the Egyptian art galleries too.
In case you didn’t know, The Met’s pay-as-you-wish policy is only for New York residents and college students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut who purchase tickets in person. For all other adults, admission price is $30 but that includes entrance to The Met on Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters on the same day.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave
New York, NY 10028
Hours are Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and late nights on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to check out the Met’s current exhibitions.
Have you done a late night at the Met?
Also, the High Line. And New York’s top attractions.
Leave a Reply