How Did the Metropolitan Museum of Art Start?

Art|Art Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly referred to as the Met, is one of the world’s most renowned art museums. The museum began in 1870 with a mission to bring art and art education to the public. The Met has since become a global cultural center and is one of the most visited museums in the world.

The Metropolitan Museum was founded by a group of private citizens who wanted to create an institution dedicated to art and learning. In 1869, these citizens formed the Metropolitan Museum of Art Association and established an initial fund for its support. The museum opened its doors on February 20th, 1872, making it one of the oldest art museums in the United States.

The vision for the Met was for it to be a place where people could come and learn about different cultures through works of art from around the world. The original collection included European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from ancient civilizations. Over time, more diverse works were added including Native American artifacts, African sculptures and masks, Asian ceramics, Islamic manuscripts and textiles, ancient Greek vases and much more.

The Met also houses some of the most famous works in history such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa; Van Gogh’s Starry Night; Michelangelo’s David; Picasso’s Demoiselles d’Avignon; Rembrandt’s Aristotle with a Bust of Homer; Monet’s Water Lilies; Pollock’s Number 1A; and so much more. Today there are over two million works within its collections spanning 5,000 years of history from all over the globe.

The Metropolitan Museum’s mission today is still focused on bringing art education to those who may not have access or be able to afford it otherwise. This includes providing free admission for children under 12 years old as well as free admission days throughout the year for students and teachers with valid ID cards. In addition to this they also offer free educational programs such as lectures, tours and workshops throughout their galleries.

The Met has made great strides in preserving culture through their collections while also providing access to those who may not have had it before. It has become a global leader in cultural preservation while also being one of the most visited museums in the world today. How Did The Metropolitan Museum Of Art Start? It began with a small group of private citizens who wanted to make art accessible to everyone regardless of social or economic status – something that still stands true today at this renowned institution!

Conclusion: The Metropolitan Museum Of Art was founded by a small group dedicated individuals over 150 years ago with a mission to make arts accessible for everyone regardless of social or economic status – something that still stands true today at this renowned institution!