Late nights at the Met on Fifth Avenue are truly spectacular!
The Met Fifth Avenue is a spectacular place to leave the chaos of the city behind. Stepping through its grand entrance will transport you to what feels like an architectural oasis. The building alone is magnificent, and the history that lies behind its doors is amazing. With diverse permanent collections that would take days to view, as well as equally inspiring temporary exhibitions, the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers something for everyone (even if you don’t consider yourself an art nerd).
If you haven’t yet visited the Met, by all means, go. Go anytime your schedule permits. But, if you’ve been during daylight hours but not yet in the evening, you are missing out! The Met stays open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan a nighttime visit. Here’s why you should take advantage of late nights at the Met on Fifth Avenue.
Fifth Avenue is beautiful at night.
One of the advantages of visiting the Met is the location. Sure, Fifth Avenue is known for its high-priced apartments, but it’s also one of the loveliest streets in the city. In the evening, the view from the Met steps is stunning, and walking along Fifth Avenue, taking in the sights and sounds (it’s usually quieter at night) is a not-to-miss New York experience.
The Met Rooftop
Late nights at The Met are magical inside the museum, but evenings are pretty wonderful from the rooftop too. You can see the most spectacular city view with a sunset – EVER…..And sip a cocktail while doing it. High above Central Park, the Met Rooftop Sculpture Garden affords incredible city views (some of the best in town, if you ask me), and you might also get to witness a crazy colorful sky in the background if you catch a sunset. The rooftop is usually open from early May until the end of October, weather permitting.
Besides mingling and taking in the Manhattan skyline and the park, during summers you can see the single-artist exhibition that’s hosted on the Met’s rooftop. Since 1998, works by artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, and Jeff Koons have been on display.
The Great Hall Balcony Bar.
Spend some time in the balcony bar. On weekend evenings, the bar provides live music, and of course, you can have a glass of wine or try a new libation and grab a snack. Plus, you get a dynamite view of the Great Hall. The bar is open until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with last call at 7:45 p.m.
The Met Fifth Avenue takes on a new personality after dark.
I saw the museum in a new light (literally!), and I have to say that this trip was by far my favorite visit to the Met so far. I found walking through the museum at night really relaxing, and I was able to de-stress and disconnect from my worries and get caught up in the art and the moment.
And the art, of course!
Sure, its great fun to go to the Met and socialize, get a bite to eat and a cocktail, but the real reason for all of the above is to appreciate art. As I mentioned early on, you don’t have to be an art aficionado to enjoy the Metropolitan Museum of Art, either. The Met offers many exhibits from many periods in history, and you’ll never come close to seeing even half of it in a single visit, so choose one or two galleries and concentrate on those. Then go back another time.
I often visit with my friend Heather. We sip a glass of wine while watching the sunset from the roof garden, and then wander around the Costume Institute, followed by the modern art wing. I highly recommend Egyptian art galleries too.
In case you didn’t know, the Met’s pay-as-you-wish policy is only for New York residents and college students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut who purchase tickets in person. For all other adults, admission price is $25 but that includes entrance to the Met Fifth Avenue, the Met Breur, and the Met Cloisters for three consecutive days. Seniors pay $17 and students pay $12. Children under 12 enter free.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave
New York, NY 10028
Hours are Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m.–5:30 pm, and late nights on Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to check out the Met’s current exhibitions.
Have you done last nights at the Met?
What are your favorite exhibits at the Met? And if you want to know more about the neighborhood, here’s a guide to the Upper East Side.
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mandy says
hi myself and a friend are coming to new York on the 23/11/2016 till 1/12/2016 we are not very good at organising soo we have a 5 days new York pass with 2 days hop on off buss pass and we want to do all the main attraction but we want to do it in zone areas can you give us any ideas on wednessday when we get there it wont be till 7pm but thurday we want to do macy parade and the start out 5 day pass on Friday thank you
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Mandy,
There are so many things to do here in NYC that I could never recommend a few things, especially not knowing what you like and don’t like. I recommend taking a look at this list of free things to do. I’m sure you’ll find something on this list that you like! Have a great trip.https://www.tracysnewyorklife.com/2014/06/free-things-to-do-in-new-york-city
mandy says
thank you
Scott McCulley says
Looks like Greg and I should join the two of you there one Saturday evening for a cocktail. Cheers – Scott
Tracy Kaler says
Yes! That would be fun. Once you go to the Met at night, you will always want to visit after dark. The museum takes on a different vibe in the evening, kind of mysterious, and I love it!