Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour
Explore iconic masterpieces from ancient Egypt to modern art with an expert guide and reserved entry
If you want to explore the Met without wandering aimlessly through 400 galleries, this tour has your name on it. Skip the line and dive into 5,000 years of masterpieces with an art-history guide who brings the Temple of Dendur, "Washington Crossing the Delaware," European old masters, and modern icons to life. During summer, rooftop views of Central Park complete your visit. It's the smartest way to experience one of the world's greatest art collections.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking art-history guide
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Skip-the-ticket-line entry to the MET
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Headsets for enhanced audio
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Iconic Temple of Dendur access
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European masterworks tour
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Modern art gallery exploration
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Rooftop garden access (summer only)
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View world-changing art
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Guide tips
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Rooftop garden access (winter tours)
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide beside the Egyptian sculpture
Your tour begins at the Egyptian Sculpture in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue. Skip the long ticket lines and dive straight into 5,000 years of artistic treasures. -
2
Explore the ancient Temple of Dendur
Step into the glass-walled Sackler Wing where the 2,000-year-old Temple of Dendur stands bathed in natural light. Your guide explains how Augustus built this sandstone monument to honor the goddess Isis and two deified Nubian brothers, Pedesi and Pihor. -
3
Discover American masterpieces in context
Next, you'll encounter Emanuel Leutze's enormous "Washington Crossing the Delaware" in the American Wing. Your guide explains how this painting and other sweeping landscapes shaped the nation's early artistic identity and reflected how Americans saw themselves. -
4
Marvel at European old masters
Velázquez, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh come alive in the European galleries. Your guide shares the techniques and history behind each masterwork, revealing how these legendary artists pushed boundaries and influenced centuries of painters who followed them. -
5
Experience modern art's bold revolution
Then you'll move into galleries filled with Jackson Pollock's explosive drips, Andy Warhol's pop culture icons, and Pablo Picasso's cubist experiments. Hear fascinating stories about the artists who broke every rule and changed how the world understood art. -
6
Admire Central Park from the rooftop in summer
During summer, ascend to the rooftop garden for sweeping views of Central Park's green canopy and Manhattan's skyline. This seasonal outdoor space offers a perfect pause to reflect on the art below while soaking in the energy of the city. -
7
Conclude the tour in the museum with lasting impressions
Your guided tour ends back at the Great Hall entrance, though your ticket lets you stay and wander at your own pace. Ask your guide which galleries or current exhibitions match your interests, then continue exploring this world-class museum on your own.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours. A soft baby carrier is recommended.
Bag Policy: The Met does not allow bags bigger than a backpack. If you bring a backpack, you will be required to hold it in your hands during the tour.
Please Note: The rooftop terrace of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed November through February. Summer tours include rooftop access with views of Central Park and Manhattan's skyline.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter the museum on time.
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line entry ticket to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Headsets for enhanced audio
Guided tour of the Met's iconic masterpieces
Access to the Met's rooftop garden (summer only)
Free time to explore the museum at your own pace after the tour
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle
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Customer Reviews
It was amazing to have this knowledgeable guide to peek through the keyhole of artistic brilliance. The European gallery, in particular, the proximity with the greats, was stunning.
There was an adventure to be had every moment! The Met is so overwhelming, and our guide pointed out what we should not miss made it bearable and exciting. A true showstopper was the Temple of Dendur.
Definitely recommend this Met tour. Our guide was fantastic and the huge museum felt like a very personal journey. We loved visiting the European collections it was effective, informational and it was a fun tour.
It is such a beautiful way to experience the Met. Our guide was so informative shared fascinating facts about the Egyptian collection. I would highly recommend!
