When Was the Metropolitan Museum of Art Founded?

Art|Art Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as The Met, is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the world. It is located in New York City and houses over two million works of art from all over the globe. The Met was founded in 1870 by a group of prominent American citizens, including industrialist John Taylor Johnston, banker George Palmer Putnam and artist Robert Walter Weir.

The museum’s original purpose was to bring together some of the finest works of art from around the world so citizens of New York City could enjoy them without having to travel abroad. To this day, The Met continues to fulfill its mission by displaying works from antiquity up to the present day. Its vast collection includes masterpieces from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome as well as paintings and sculptures from Europe, Asia and America.

The museum also contains a number of important scientific collections such as musical instruments and natural history specimens. In addition, The Met houses an extensive library with over one million books, periodicals, photographs and prints.

The Met has become a major tourist attraction since its opening in 1870. It is now one of the most visited museums in the world with around seven million visitors each year.

Along with its impressive collection, The Met also hosts numerous educational programs for adults and children alike. These include lectures on various topics related to art history and contemporary issues as well as activities such as sketching classes and hands-on workshops.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has been an important part of New York City’s culture for over 150 years and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting or living in the city. With its rich history and impressive collections, it truly is an iconic institution that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Conclusion: The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in 1870 by a group of prominent American citizens with the goal to bring together some of the finest works of art from around the world so that citizens of New York City could enjoy them without having to travel abroad. This mission still stands today, making The Met one of the most visited museums in the world with over seven million visitors each year who come to experience its iconic collections and educational programs.