Who Built the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Art|Art Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) is one of the most iconic and renowned museums in the world. It is located on 5th Avenue in New York City and has been home to some of the greatest works of art throughout history.

Although the museum houses an impressive collection of art, many people don’t know who built it.

The MET was founded in 1870 by a group of American businessmen, financiers and philanthropists including John Taylor Johnston, William T. Blodgett, Robert L. Stuart, and Benjamin Wistar Morris. These men had a vision for an institution that could bring art from around the world to New York City. They established a trust fund and began collecting works from Europe and America.

The museum officially opened its doors to the public on February 20, 1872 at its original location on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. The building was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, one of America’s leading architects at the time. Hunt drew inspiration from European Renaissance architecture to create a grandiose structure with a grand staircase and lofty ceilings.

The MET quickly grew in popularity over the years as more artworks were added to its collection. In 1880, a new wing was added to accommodate larger exhibitions as well as a library for research purposes. In 1902, it moved to its current location at 5th Avenue and 82nd Street after outgrowing its original building.

Conclusion:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was built by a group of prominent American businessmen, financiers and philanthropists in 1870 and was designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Since then it has grown significantly both in size and popularity with new wings being added throughout the years as well as moving to its current location on 5th Avenue and 82nd Street in 1902.