Musuem & Gallery reviews

Architecture of the met

The architecture of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is truly special, blending space, light, and design in a way that makes your visit feel like an immersive experience. One of the most amazing aspects of the museum is how it uses natural light. The large windows let in light in a way that changes depending on which part of the museum you are in. For example, in the Egyptian Art section — which is my favorite — the rooms are darker, with low lighting, to match the mysterious and ancient feeling of the artifacts. The dim lighting creates a calm and almost sacred atmosphere, making you feel like you are stepping into a different time. Some rooms even feel like you're in a cave, adding to the sense of history and reverence for the pieces on display. The lighting is carefully placed, so certain objects are highlighted and stand out, creating a sense of awe.

The way the museum uses light and shadow doesn’t just show off the art; it actually makes you feel a connection to it. The darkness helps you focus on the pieces, making the experience feel more intimate and impactful. It's like the building itself is working with the art to tell a story, not just providing a place to look at objects.

Another thing I love about the Met is its location next to Central Park. The museum is perfectly situated, offering a peaceful escape from the busy city. The park provides a natural break, giving you a moment of calm before you enter the museum. The connection between the two is a great example of smart urban planning, where green spaces and cultural buildings work together to create a balanced environment. Being so close to Central Park makes the Met feel like a peaceful retreat, where you can enjoy art and culture while being surrounded by nature, even in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities. The park and the museum together create a space where you can relax, reflect, and escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

The only critique of this museum I have of this beautfiul architectural piece is the fact that the museum is simply massive, and its vast collection can be overwhelming, especially for a first-time visitor. On my first trip, I was immediately struck by the sheer size and diversity of the art. With so many galleries spread across different floors and wings, it’s easy to get lost or feel rushed, especially when you're trying to take in everything the museum has to offer.

The contrast between the Met’s classical architecture and the contemporary structures around it is what makes the building so powerful. In a city full of tall skyscrapers and modern buildings, the Met's design stands out as something completely different. While New York is known for its glass, steel, and sharp lines, the Met’s classic architecture feels like it’s from another time. It invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of old-fashioned craftsmanship. The stone walls and grand staircase seem to tell the story of the past, connecting you to the ancient civilizations the museum preserves. The museum’s historic feel is like a peaceful break in the middle of the fast-paced, constantly changing city around it.

Simply put, the art is amazing. Every turn there is a captivating piece at every corner you take. The Greek and Roman Art section at the Met is truly one of the highlights of the museum for me. The ancient sculptures, pottery, and relics are awe-inspiring, and the level of detail in the marble sculptures is incredible. The way the artists captured everything from gods and athletes to everyday life is simply breathtaking. Walking through this gallery feels like stepping back in time, with each piece telling a story of a rich, complex civilization. The collection is massive, with countless rooms filled with artifacts that cover centuries of history, every time I returned to this gallery, I discovered something new that made me appreciate the craftsmanship even more.

I was also deeply impressed by the Arts of Africa gallery. The powerful, vibrant artworks from various African cultures are both stunning and meaningful. From intricate sculptures and masks to textiles and ceremonial objects, the variety of pieces on display showcases the rich traditions and spiritual connections of the communities they come from. Such as the Benin Bronzes, which was a room filled with incredibly detailed and beautifully crafted works of art, made from bronze and brass. These plaques and sculptures often feature scenes of the royal court, warriors, and animals, with each piece showcasing remarkable skill in texture and design. The figures are highly detailed, with expressive faces and lifelike depictions, and the precise craftsmanship shows the mastery of the artists from the Kingdom of Benin.

Each gallery has its own unique story to tell, and the range of styles, cultures, and time periods can make it hard to fully digest it all in a single visit. That’s why I found that taking two trips was essential for really soaking in the full experience. On my second visit, I was able to slow down and revisit some of my favorite sections while exploring new galleries I had missed the first time around. With a second trip, I could appreciate the diversity of the collection without feeling rushed, and I had the mental space to process the amazing art in front of me.

With that being said, it’s amazing that all of these historical and diverse pieces of art exist in one location. For anyone who can't travel overseas or visit multiple museums, the Met offers the opportunity to experience such a vast range of art in just a few trips—or even in a single, though rushed, visit.