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THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION
MARCH 2013
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The Metropolitan
Museum of Art
By: Linda Seigelman
As I have said before, the perfect antidote
to the gray days of winter and a bit of cabin
fever is a trip to Manhattan. One of my
favorite winter haunts is the grand dame of
New York City’s cultural institutions, The
Metropolitan Museum of Art. Located at
1000
Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, The Met is
brimming with masterpieces and houses great
works of art from just about every culture in
the world. Under one roof, one can find
examples highlighting the best of human cre-
ativity for the past 5000 years. It is a truly
remarkable place, a magnet for locals and
tourists alike.
The history of the Museum dates back to
Paris in the 1860’s, when a group of
Americans got together and agreed to create
a national art gallery/institution to bring art
and art education to the American people.
The group returned to the States and rallied
civic leaders, philanthropists, artists, collectors
and others to the cause. The Metropolitan
Museum of Art was incorporated in April of
1870,
and after a couple of temporary homes,
moved to its current location (then a much
smaller building) ten years later in March of
1880.
The Museum’s magnificent Beaux Arts
façade and Great Hall were added in 1902.
By the start of the last century The Met had
become – and it remains today - one of the
foremost museums in the world. It was the first
public institution anywhere to acquire a work
of art by Henri Matisse. The largest collection of
Egyptian art outside of Cairo is on display here.
The number of Old Masters is staggering, and
the impressionist and post-impressionist art col-
lection rivals any in France. The recently reno-
vated American Wing includes twenty-five
period rooms providing a unique historical per-
spective on life in America.
The Museum is continually refining and
reorganizing its collections. And there is usu-
ally a special exhibition or two on display as
well. Although a Museum map is a useful tool
for navigating The Met, it is quite easy to find
what you are looking for. The building is divid-
ed into wings, and within the wings are num-
bered galleries. There are information booths
and Museum employees strategically placed
to offer maximum assistance. It is impossible
to see everything in one visit, so set some pri-
orities and be sure to take a break or two.
If you want to make a day of it, take one of
the free tours, attend a lecture, see a film or
performance, check out the kid-friendly and
family activities, or browse through the
Museum store. The Met is open daily 9:30am
to 5:30pm, closed Monday except holiday
Mondays – a great treat when you have the
day off. On Friday and Saturday nights, the
museum stays open until 9:00pm – the perfect
time to stop in for a visit and a drink or dinner.
There are plenty of neighborhood dining
choices, especially along Madison Avenue,
but you can’t go wrong inside the Museum
itself. Plus, all of the in-house restaurants offer
items inspired by current special exhibitions
which makes eating there part of the artistic
experience. Winter or summer, escape the ele-
ments and spend some time at The
Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a very spe-
cial place.
WHERE TO EAT AT THE
METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
American Wing Café,
1
st Floor at the
Charles Engelhard Court – located in the cen-
ter court of the American Wing overlooking
Central Park, daily selection of freshly pre-
pared soups, salads, sandwiches and irre-
sistible desserts; inviting spot for a quick snack
or a lunch break while contemplating the
stained glass nearby
The Cafeteria,
Lower Level – a self-serv-
ice, casual eatery offering well-prepared burg-
ers, dogs, sandwiches, a large salad bar, hot
entrees, a sushi bar, kids meals, frozen yogurt,
drinks and desserts; it has something for
everyone
Great Hall Balcony Bar,
2
nd Floor
Balcony overlooking the Great Hall – open
Friday and Saturday evenings for cocktails and
hors d’oeuvres/small plates (menu changes
seasonally and with special exhibits), pigs in a
blanket, shrimp cocktail, lobster mac and
cheese, full bar, live classical music, cocktail
tables and waiter service, great atmosphere
Petrie Court Café and Wine Bar,
European Sculpture Court – with windows
out to Central Park, a perfect spot for lunch,
brunch or afternoon tea (finger sandwiches,
scones and all) while studying the Rodin
sculptures nearby; excellent selection of
European-style snacks, sandwiches, salads
and entrees; beer, cocktails and wine; open
late for dinner on Friday and Saturday
evenings – the space is transformed into a
sophisticated wine bar; reservations accepted
for dinner and for parties of greater than four
during the day
Roof Garden Café,
5
th Floor – open May
to October, weather permitting; the panoram-
ic views of Central Park and the city should
not be missed; enjoy light fare of sandwiches,
snacks and drinks; lively and popular martini
bar opens at 5:30pm on Friday and Saturday
evenings; sunsets are spectacular up here, and
there is always a special art installation to fur-
ther enhance the experience.
link