Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Uncover 5,000 years of art with an extended guided tour

Dive deep into the rich history of global art with this 3-hour extended guided tour of The Met that offers a broader and more immersive exploration of its world-renowned collection. Led by an expert art historian, this tour takes you beyond the highlights, unveiling hidden gems and deeper insights into 5,000 years of artistic mastery.

A richer, more comprehensive experience

Stand before the Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian marvel, and step into a preserved Roman bedroom from Pompeii. Admire the bold strokes of French Expressionism and the intricate craftsmanship of ceremonial artifacts from Papua New Guinea. Unravel the fascinating stories behind iconic masterpieces, from the intrigue of Sargent’s Madame X to the emotion behind Washington Crossing the Delaware. With expert storytelling and a more in-depth exploration of works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt, this intimate tour—capped at 15 guests—offers you an embracive journey through the Met.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Discover the Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of New York City's most iconic landmarks, on this 3-hour guided tour that includes skip-the-line access and a rich exploration of its vast collection. The Met spans over 5,000 years of art history, with exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary installations. This tour takes you through key areas such as the Temple of Dendur, Monet’s Water Lilies, and the American Wing, offering deeper insights into lesser-known pieces of art. With an intimate group size capped at 15 guests and led by a knowledgeable art historian guide, this experience is available in multiple audio languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, and Japanese. The tour covers approximately 20 galleries and highlights include the Temple of Dendur (built around 45 BCE), Monet’s Water Lilies (painted between 1916-1926), and the American Wing (opened in 1987). Guests can spend about two hours inside the museum, exploring over 2 million square feet of exhibition space. This tour is perfect for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of world cultures.

Explore The Met's Temple of Dendur

Your tour stops at the Temple of Dendur where you can admire a 45 BCE Egyptian temple that was gifted to the United States by Egypt in 1967. This ancient structure, which stands at over 20 feet high and spans approximately 80 square meters, is one of the most well-preserved examples of Roman-period architecture from Egypt. The temple features intricate carvings depicting scenes of pharaohs worshipping Egyptian gods, along with hieroglyphics that tell stories of religious devotion and royal power. Visitors spend about 15 minutes here, marveling at the craftsmanship and historical significance of this artifact. Unlike other museums where such ancient structures are merely replicated or displayed in fragments, The Met offers an immersive experience by housing an entire temple within its walls, providing a unique glimpse into the grandeur of Roman Egypt.

Admire Monet’s Water Lilies

The tour leads guests to Monet’s Water Lilies, a series of large-scale paintings created between 1916 and 1926. These iconic works are housed in The Met's modernist installation known as the Paul J. Sachs Water Lily Pool, which was completed in 1954. Covering an area of over 70 feet long and towering at nearly 30 feet high, this gallery is one of the largest indoor spaces dedicated to a single artwork in the world. Visitors spend around 20 minutes here, taking in the serene beauty captured by Monet’s brushstrokes that reflect his personal garden at Giverny. This installation stands out not only for its size but also for its ability to transport viewers into the tranquil atmosphere of Monet's beloved water lily pond.

Discover The Met’s American Wing

At the American Wing, guests can explore an extensive collection of art and artifacts that showcase American history from colonial times through the 20th century. This wing, which opened in 1987 after a decade-long renovation project, spans over 65,000 square feet with galleries dedicated to furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture, and period rooms. The collection includes masterpieces like John Singleton Copley’s “Watson and the Shark” (painted in 1778) and Frederic Edwin Church’s “Twilight in the Wilderness” (completed in 1860). Visitors spend about an hour here, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of America as depicted through art. Unlike other museums that may have limited space for American collections, The Met's American Wing provides a comprehensive overview of artistic and historical developments across centuries.

Tour Highlights

• Go beyond highlights at The Met’s vast collection
• Skip-the-line access to 20+ galleries in 3 hours
• Art historian guide with intimate group size of 15 guests
• Explore Temple of Dendur built around 45 BCE
• Admire Monet’s Water Lilies painted between 1916-1926
• Discover American Wing opened in 1987 after renovation
• Access to Paul J. Sachs Water Lily Pool completed in 1954
• Dive into lesser-known pieces of art throughout the museum

Perfect for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and casual visitors, this guided tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore New York City’s cultural treasures. The 3-hour format allows you to delve deeply into the Temple of Dendur, Monet's Water Lilies, and the American Wing, giving you a comprehensive understanding of world cultures while enjoying skip-the-line access.