What Is the Most Expensive Thing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Art|Art Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most visited museums in the world, boasting millions of visitors each year. Located in New York City, the museum is home to some of the world’s most valuable and interesting artworks. While many of the works can be seen for free, there are some pieces that are worth millions and considered to be among the most expensive items in the museum.

One of the most expensive objects in The Met is an ancient sculpture titled “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” The marble statue dates back to 200 BC and depicts a winged goddess emerging from a ship’s prow as if she were guiding it through stormy waters. It was purchased by The Met in 1884 for $20,000, which would be equivalent to almost $500,000 today.

Another extremely valuable item at The Met is a painting by Johannes Vermeer titled “The Concert.” This Dutch masterwork depicts three musicians playing together in an intimate setting and was purchased by The Met in 1961 for an impressive sum of $2 million dollars – this would be equivalent to over $14 million today!

Perhaps the single most expensive object at The Met is “The Adoration of the Magi” by Sandro Botticelli. This Renaissance masterpiece shows three kings offering gifts to baby Jesus and was painted sometime between 1481-1482. It was acquired by The Met in 1895 for a reported sum of $1 million – this would be equivalent to over $30 million today!

Conclusion: With so many priceless artworks on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it is difficult to pinpoint what exactly is the most expensive thing there. However, one can say with certainty that Botticelli’s 15th-century painting “The Adoration of the Magi” holds top spot among them all with its estimated value being over $30 million today!