The William Society
The Met William Society recognizes and honors those friends and Members of The Metropolitan Museum of Art who have made a commitment to the future of this institution by including the Museum in their estate plans.
There are no dues or fees associated with membership in The Met William Society. With their permission, members are listed in the Museum's Annual Report and also receive invitations to exclusive events at the Museum. Most important, members of The Met William Society know they are ensuring the Metropolitan's standard of excellence for future generations.
We hope that you will join us.
Who is William?
One of the most popular ancient Egyptian figures in the The Met collection—and sometimes referred to as the Museum's unofficial mascot—"William" was originally intended to provide protection and power in the afterlife. As the symbol of The Met William Society, this beloved hippopotamus embodies the enduring qualities of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In celebration of The Met William Society's twenty-fifth anniversary and the hundredth anniversary of William the Hippo at The Met, we are delighted to share a Museum article that explains the origins of William's name.