NYC: Secrets of the MET - VIP Small-Group Tour

Highlights

• Uncover Temple of Dendur secrets, from pharaohs to Jackie O and The Lion King
• Discover how a scandalous portrait of Madame X became the “American Mona Lisa”
• Hear the extraordinary story behind the mysterious “Manhattan Michelangelo”
• Explore masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Monet, & more
• Delve into hidden stories, curious treasures & unforgettable MET characters

Description

Welcome to the MET, home to one of the world's most dynamic and diverse art collections!

With nearly 2 million square feet, 18 curatorial departments, and more than 1.5 million works spanning 5,000 years, the Metropolitan Museum of Art can be overwhelming, especially on your own. Let an expert guide do the navigating for you.

This VIP small-group experience is designed for travelers who want a better way to discover the MET. Rather than rushing through a generic checklist of famous works, you'll follow a carefully curated route featuring iconic masterpieces, hidden gems, and fascinating characters, brought to life through captivating storytelling. With a deliberately small group, you'll have more opportunity to interact with your guide, ask questions, and follow your interests, for a more personalized, engaging, and memorable visit.

Here are just some of the highlights:

1. Ancient Egypt — Marvel at mummies, royal treasures, and colossal statues. Meet “William” the Hippo, the MET's beloved mascot, and uncover the surprising secrets hidden in the sacred Temple of Dendur.

2. American Wing — Discover the secrets of Washington Crossing the Delaware, strike a pose with the once-scandalous Madame X, and hear the remarkable story of Diana, a gilded sculpture that once graced the top of Madison Square Garden.

3. Musical Instruments — See one of the world's earliest surviving pianos and a legendary Stradivarius violin, one of the most valuable musical instruments in the world.

4. Arms & Armor — Meet knights, kings, sultans, and samurai while discovering how armor communicated power, status, identity, and spiritual protection.

5. Renaissance Sculpture — Meet the mysterious “Manhattan Michelangelo” and hear its incredible backstory.

6. Medieval Art — Search for a saint's skull, a chalice once believed to be the Holy Grail, and even a "unicorn" horn!

7. European Art — Explore the dark world of Caravaggio; decode Rembrandt's Aristotle; and uncover the secrets of David's Death of Socrates. See a tiny 1290 Italian masterpiece with an enormous price tag—the most expensive work ever acquired by the MET.

8. 19th & 20th Century Art — Hear the stories behind iconic works by Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, and more

9. Greek & Roman Art — Encounter the Dionysus Sarcophagus, spectacular Roman frescoes preserved by the eruption of Pompeii, and an ancient Etruscan chariot discovered by accident.

10. Asian Art — Marvel at the monumental Medicine Buddha, discover the symbolism of Chinese jade and the zodiac, and step inside a Ming Dynasty philosopher's garden—with a few surprises for kids!

11. Africa, Oceania & the Americas — Admire a spectacular El Anatsui masterpiece inspired by Asante textiles, explore the cultures of Papua New Guinea, hear the haunting story of Michael Rockefeller, and see rare surviving Aztec gold.

This is more than a highlights tour. Come for the masterpieces. Stay for the stories. And leave with a few MET secrets of your own.