About the Museum

About the Museum

Now at the Met

Now at the Met

This Week's Highlights: February 21–23

Posted on Tuesday, February 21, 2012

This Weekend in Met History: February 20

Posted on Friday, February 17, 2012, by James Moske

One hundred and forty years ago, on February 20, 1872, The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its doors to the public for the first time.

Displaying Islamic Art at the Metropolitan: A Retrospective Look

Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2012, by Rebecca Lindsey

This illustrated essay describes the evolution of the display of Islamic art at the Met—from the first largely visual exhibitions to the present scholarly organization by style, material, and civilization.

The Met Around the World

The work of the Metropolitan Museum reflects the global scope of its collections and extends across the world through a variety of initiatives and programs including exhibitions, excavations, fellowships, professional exchanges, conservation projects, and traveling works of art.

Museum Mission Statement

The original mission statement of The Metropolitan Museum of Art as it appeared in the original April 13, 1870, charter was reaffirmed and supplemented by the Trustees on September 12, 2000.

History of the Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which includes its Main Building on Fifth Avenue and The Cloisters museum and gardens in northern Manhattan, dates back to 1866.

Museum Departments

The Museum's departments are structured according to role, including collection-related activities, administrative duties, and education initiatives.

Entertaining at the Met

For Corporate Patrons and eligible nonprofit organizations, the Museum offers unique entertaining opportunities with special access to the galleries when it is closed to the public. The Museum's many spaces provide the perfect location for any event, from large receptions to intimate dinners.

Career and Volunteer Opportunities

Applications from candidates at all levels of training, experience, and education are accepted for positions in administrative, curatorial, retail, security, trade, and professional areas. In addition, more than one thousand dedicated volunteers work in areas throughout the Museum.

Annual Reports

The Annual Report covers the period from July 1 of each year through June 30 of the following year, coinciding with the Museum's fiscal year.

Collections Management Policy

The Collections Management Policy is intended to document the basic policies that guide the development and care of the Museum's art collection consistent with the mission of the Museum and with professional museum standards.

Contact Information

Main Building: 212-535-7710
The Cloisters: 212-923-3700
Concerts & Lectures: 212-570-3949

More Contact Information >

Press Room

The Press Room is available for use by working members of the media. Press releases on the Museum, its exhibitions, and recent news and announcements are available for viewing and downloading. Accredited press can view and request high-resolution press images for publication.

Urgent press-related queries can also be directed to us by telephone (212-570-3951), email (communications@metmuseum.org), or fax (212-472-2764).