Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the world's great art museums, the Metropolitan “Met” is a ver-
itable collection of museums, spanning 5,000 years of culture from
every part of the globe. Each of its specialized galleries holds an
abundance of treasures. It was founded in 1870 by a group who
wanted to create a great art institution in America, and began with
three private European collections and 174 paintings. The present
holdings number over two million. The original 1880 Gothic Revival
building by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould has been expanded
many times. Recent additions include courts with huge windows over-
looking Central Park.
Top 10 Exhibits
European Paintings
The museum's 2,500 Old Master and 19th-century European paintings form one of
the greatest collections in the world and include many instantly recognizable master-
pieces. Special strengths include the Rembrandts and Vermeers, and the many Im-
pressionist and Post-Impressionist canvases.
Egyptian Art
OneofthelargestcollectionsofEgyptianartoutsideCairoincludesmasks,mummies,
statues,jewelry,theTombofPerneb,andthespectacularTempleofDendur,c.15B.C.,
reassembled as it appeared on the banks of the Nile.
