Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Met Tickets 2026: Metropolitan Museum of Art New York
Updated: September 2026
The Metropolitan Museum of Art — universally known as The Met — is one of the largest and most visited art museums in the world. Located on Fifth Avenue along Museum Mile, The Met houses more than two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history and culture, from ancient Egypt to contemporary America.
General admission includes same-day access to The Met Cloisters. For New York State residents and NY/NJ/CT students, admission is pay-what-you-wish. For all other visitors, it is a required fee.
The Met ticket prices 2026
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $30 |
| Seniors (65+) | $22 |
| Students (with valid ID) | $17 |
| Under 12 | Free |
| NY State residents & NY/NJ/CT students | Pay-what-you-wish |
| Guided highlight tours | From $35 |
Do you need to book The Met in advance?
Walk-up tickets are available, but pre-booked timed-entry tickets let you skip the admissions queue — strongly recommended on weekends and during peak summer months. Guided tours sell out fast and should always be reserved in advance.
What to see at The Met
With over 250,000 square feet across 17 departments, focus on the highlights: the Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian wing, European Paintings with Vermeer and Rembrandt, Impressionists including Monet and Degas, the Arms and Armour hall, and the seasonal Roof Garden with sweeping Central Park views.
Visiting tips
- Best time to visit: Tuesday–Thursday mornings are the quietest. Avoid Saturday afternoons and holiday weekends.
- Evening visits: Friday and Saturday until 21:00 offer a calmer experience with fewer crowds.
- Plan your route: Download The Met app before you go — the building is enormous and easy to get lost in without a plan.
- Dining: The Petrie Court Café and the Roof Garden Café & Martini Bar are worth a stop. Avoid the main restaurant at peak lunchtime.
Opening Hours & Best Time to visit Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
- Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 – 21:00
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1
How To get to Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Metro
Take the 4, 5 or 6 train to 86th Street station on Lexington Avenue (about 5 minutes walk west to The Met on Fifth Avenue). Alternatively, the Q train stops at 86th Street on Second Avenue.
Bus
The M1, M2, M3 and M4 buses all run along Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue and stop near The Met at 82nd Street. The M79 crosstown bus connects from the west side. On foot: 15 minutes from Central Park South.