Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the United States.

The Met draws more than six million visitors a year and suggested donation of $25 for adults, $17 for seniors and $12 for students. Some pay out of a sense of obligation. Many pay because they don’t know they have a choice. However, you will find signs advising visitors: “The amount you pay is up to you.” Some New Yorkers only pay a penny to get a sticker(for entry).

If you still feel guilty about not paying the full price, consider that the museum receives annual grants from the city without paying taxes or rent, has a $2.5 billion investment portfolio, and uses admissions to cover only 11 percent of its operating costs. Six in ten Met tourists don’t pay the full $25, but as the AP reporting reveals, many of the people who don’t pay are locals who know they don’t have to, while it’s the unwitting out-of-towners who get yoked into chucking up the full price.




Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Vase

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Standing Figure with Jeweled Headdress

Asian Art