Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

I've spent a fair amount of time debating my topic for "M. in the A to Z Blogging Challenge. " I've gone back and forth between mass transit -- which will appear in a later post -- and museums. Museums won for M and I started sorting photographs for the wealth of museums in New York City. But as I thought and sorted and thought a little more, the Metropolitan Museum of Art wouldn't leave my mind. It is one museum -- though it now has a branch on Madison Avenue -- but you can visit there and see the world of art.

Whether you are interested in ancient art...

or more modern art like this beauty by Louis Comfort Tiffany, there is something to enjoy at the "Met."

 

It is one of my very favorite places in New York City and I can happily wander one gallery or another at almost any time. I am a great fan of the American Wing, but I also enjoy the Asian Art galleries and English Art of the eighteenth century and the photography galleries, and of course, the special exhibits. I don't think there's a section that I don't find interesting. There are no-cost walking tours every day, led by the very well-versed docents of the museum.   

Looking out to Central Park on a snowy afternoon. 

One of my favorite places is the Temple of Dendur, which marks it's fiftieth anniversary at the museum. It dates from the Roman period and was rescued from the flooding after the Aswan Dam was built and given to the museum. 
 

The Sculpture Courtyard and café in the American Wing

 

My favorite place for a cup of coffee or lunch when I'm at the museum is the American Wing café. I think it may be the best view in the city. When I look in one direction my view is Central Park and in the other direction, the beautiful collection of sculpture in the museum's collection of American art. It's an enormous treat for the price of a cup of coffee.

 

Happily we don't have to choose just one museum to visit. There's an extraordinary array to choose from. Fans of modern art may want to visit the Whitney in a fabulous new building in the Meatpacking District. If you're traveling with children the American Museum of Natural History  is not to be missed. So many museums, so little time!

 

 As ever, thanks for visiting and enjoy the spring weather!