Thrillark logo
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the United States and one of the most visited in the world — with over 2 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history. For first-time visitors especially, that scale can feel overwhelming.

That's where the 30-Minute Pre-Orientation in English comes in. A Met staff expert walks you through the museum's layout, collections, and key highlights before sending you off to explore at your own pace. No guide in tow — just the context you need to make the most of your visit. Book your Met Museum tickets on Thrillark and save.

Key Highlights

•       America's largest art museum — 2 million+ works spanning 5,000 years of world history
•       30-Minute Pre-Orientation in English by a Met expert — before your self-guided exploration
•       Temple of Dendur — an actual Egyptian temple relocated inside the museum
•       Impressionist & Post-Impressionist galleries — Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Vermeer, Renoir
•       Medieval armor and arms — one of the world's most comprehensive collections
•       Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, African, Asian, and Oceanic art across dedicated wings
•       American wing — Gilded Age decorative arts, paintings, and period rooms
•       Located on Museum Mile along Fifth Avenue, Central Park views from the roof garden

About The Metropolitan Museum of Art Ticket + Tour

Two million works of art. Over 300,000 square feet of gallery space. Seventeen departments spanning ancient Egypt to 21st-century contemporary art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art doesn't just tell the story of art — it tells the story of humanity. And with a collection this vast, knowing where to start makes all the difference.

Your ticket includes a 30-Minute Pre-Orientation in English — a concise, expert-led walkthrough by a Met staff member who orients you within the museum, highlights the must-see works, and gives you a framework to navigate the galleries on your own. Meet your guide by the Egyptian statue in the Great Hall at your scheduled time.

After the orientation, the rest of the day is yours. The Temple of Dendur — an actual ancient Egyptian temple, relocated stone by stone and reassembled inside the Sackler Wing — is unmissable. So are the European Paintings galleries (Van Gogh's self-portraits, Vermeer's intimate scenes), the medieval arms and armor hall, and the Roof Garden in season. Your admission is valid all day for both The Met on Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Book your tickets on Thrillark and let the orientation help you see it right.

Insiders' Tips

The Pre-Orientation is your map — don't skip it. Meet the guide 30 minutes early as security queues can be long. After the orientation, go straight to the Temple of Dendur (it gets crowded by mid-morning) and then the European Paintings galleries on the second floor. The roof garden is open seasonally and is one of the best-kept secrets in NYC for skyline views. Visit on a weekday morning for the most comfortable experience.

Additional Information

Opening Hours:
  • Sunday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Monday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 10 am–5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am–9 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am–9 pm
Child Policy:
  • Children under the age of 2 enjoy free entry 
Tour Notes:
  • Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled orientation time
Accessibility:
  • Fully wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly
  • Wheelchair rentals available at the coat check area
  • Elevators throughout the building

 

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable: All bookings are final once confirmed. Please review your travel dates carefully before completing your purchase.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Ticket + Tour Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 30-Minute Pre-Orientation include?
The Pre-Orientation is an expert-led introductory session run by a Met staff member. It covers the museum's layout, its key collections, and highlights to prioritize during your self-guided visit. It's designed for first-time visitors and those who want context before exploring independently.
Where do I meet my guide for the Pre-Orientation?
Meet your guide at the Egyptian statue (pharaoh statue) located to the right of the Great Hall main entrance, just past the security checkpoint. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your tour time due to security queues.
Can I visit The Met Cloisters with the same ticket?
Yes — your admission ticket is valid on the same day for both The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. Take the M4 bus from Madison Avenue/83rd Street directly to the Cloisters.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Allow a minimum of 3 hours after the orientation for a highlights visit. Art enthusiasts will want 5+ hours. The museum is so vast that most visitors leave having only seen a fraction — plan what you most want to see in advance.

Ratings & Reviews

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Ticket + Tour

USD 55

Insiders’ Tips

The Pre-Orientation is your map — don't skip it. Meet the guide 30 minutes early as security queues can be long. After the orientation, go straight to the Temple of Dendur (it gets crowded by mid-morning) and then the European Paintings galleries on the second floor. The roof garden is open seasonally and is one of the best-kept secrets in NYC for skyline views. Visit on a weekday morning for the most comfortable experience.

;