You may have seen New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art before, but you've never seen it like this. Travel through 6,000 years and across the globe in just a few hours, to gain a greater understanding of the length and breadth of this world-class collection. In small groups of 15 people or fewer, you’ll delve into the history and art of the Met, seeing works come to life through the stories of your expert guide.
We start our tour in the ancient world, with a visit to Ancient Egyptian tomb models. Incredibly well preserved, these pieces were a more important discovery than they seem, as they offered pictorial insight into what life in Ancient Egypt was like. This insight continues at the incredible Temple of Dendur, fully intact and surreally displayed inside a naturally lit atrium, nestled in Central Park.
Our world tour returns to New York for stained glass by Tiffany and then hops over to Britain to size up the armor of notorious King Henry VIII. We then head east for the Antioch Chalice, believed by some to be the Holy Grail itself, the cup from which Jesus drank on the night he was betrayed. Believe the story? You’ll have time to debate its merits with your expert guide. For historians our next few stops are a true delight – the Greek and Roman wing contain elegant statues, imperial Roman busts, and intact frescos buried along with those at Pompeii.
Off to exotic Oceania to see boldly carved Bisj poles from Papua New Guinea, for which a Rockefeller gave his life. We’ll then move to the second floor to admire Water Lilies by Monet, a Thinker by Rodin, and the swirling strokes of van Gogh.
It’s break time inside the museum or atop the rooftop garden (May-October only, weather permitting) for verdant vistas of Central Park.
The tour continues to the Golden Age of Dutch painting, perusing portraits by Rembrandt and marveling at the virtuosity of Vermeer. After a brief passage through Italy, it’s off to Spain to see El Greco and to France for Jacques-Louis David’s famous Death of Socrates.
A little scandal is in store, as your guide gives the inside story of John Singer Sargent’s infamous Madame X. You’ll then be dwarfed by the immense iconic Washington Crossing the Delaware – one of the most recognized paintings in the United States.
Besides from what’s listed here, you’ll see little surprises and quirks of the collection as you tour. Our small group and expert guides will allow you to ask questions, be engaged, and take the most from your Met experience!
Sites Visited:
Ancient Egyptian Tomb Models (original and perfectly preserved)
Temple of Dendur - is occasionally rented our for private events with no advance notice provide. While usually this occurs in the evening times, closures may impact this tour. In such case, others works from the Egyptian collection will be substituted.
Egyptian mummies
Armor of King Henry VIII
Antioch Chalice a.k.a. the "Holy Grail"
Greek and Roman Statuary
Ancient Roman Frescoes
Tiffany glass and mosaics
Rodin sculptures
Bisj Poles from New Guinea
Claude Monet – Water Lillies
Vincent van Gogh - Selected Works
Auguste Rodin - Sculptures
Rembrandt van Rijn - Portraits
Johannes Vermeer - Selected Paintings
Jacques-Louis David's Death of Socrates
Madame X by John Singer Sargent
Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emmanuele Leutze
Rooftop Garden (May–October only, weather permitting)
Please note, this tour is in English only.
Inclusions:
Pre-arranged Met Museum tickets, with donation included
Expert local tour guide
Small groups of only 15 people or fewer
Exclusions:
Gratuities for guide
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Food/Beverages
*On rare occasions, the Met may rent out select rooms for private events in which case other works will be substituted.
**Please note that the Met rooftop is closed during the winter from November through April and reopens early May through the end of October, weather permitting.
A coat and bag check is available in the main lobby.
If you cannot climb the stairs of the central entrance there is a ground level entrance one block south, near the intersection of 81st St. and 5th Ave. Inform the desk you need to use the elevator to meet a group in the main lobby (at pharaoh statue) which will then secure your entrance ticket. They will provide you with a temporary pass and help direct you upstairs.
