With a permanent collection numbering over two million individual works of art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply the Met, is not only a New York City landmark, it is the United States' largest art museum and the fifth-most visited museum of any kind in the world. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the museum encompasses more than 1.5 million square feet (139,355 square meters) of exhibition space. European paintings on display include those by world-renown masters like Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Titian, and Vermeer. The vast collection has been split between several galleries, arranged by geographic origin and other thematic schemes. The Egyptian art gallery is especially enticing, as are the Met's repositories of Asian, African and Medieval art. Others include Islamic, Roman, and Greek art, the Arms and Armory section, the Costume Institute, and European Decorative arts. When weather permits, contemporary sculptures are displayed at the open-air roof garden. Apart from being a treasure trove for art lovers, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a fun-filled and educational experience for all ages.
The Metropolitan Opera House, with its wonderful Marc Chagall paintings and grand arches is arguably the most impressive building in the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The space is divided between the Metropolitan Opera during the autumn and winter, and the American Ballet Theater during spring. Ballet performances are predominately in the classical style. Visit the website to find out about taking a fascinating tour of the opera house.
New York's Grand Central Terminal, often inaccurately referred to as the Grand Central Station, is one of Midtown Manhattan's most resplendent architectural jewels and one of the busiest terminals in the world. Completed in 1913, the majestic Beaux-Arts beauty is richly embellished, its interiors a love affair with marble, while the ornamented facade is topped by The Glory of Commerce - a riveting sculpture that depicts Mercury, Hercules and Minerva overlooking the city from a lofty perch, the world's largest Tiffany-stained glass clock at their feet. Painted constellations arch above the iconic main hall, featured in any number of movies, its vaulted ceilings an awe-inspiring sight. Today, the building also houses chic shops and a dining concourse, alongside platforms that cater to commuter, intercity and rapid transport trains, attracting commuters and tourists in equal measure.
The Cloisters is the medieval outpost of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Overlooking the Hudson River, it is a deeply relaxing and spiritual place that explores beautiful medieval art. The interlocking cloisters are faithful reconstructions of French monasteries and abbeys. They were erected between 1934 and 1938 on a site offered by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Travel back to the Middle Ages with a visit to the museum, wander through resplendent Gothic chambers, discover solitude and serenity in the Fuentidueña Apse, and sit like a monk at the Chapter House from Notre Dame de Pontaut. The sprawling museum gardens are as beautiful as the chapels and cloisters.
Covering 250 acres (100 hectares), New York Botanical Garden is a picturesque blend of rocks, waterfalls, hills, rivers, woods, ponds, plants, and of course, flowers. The property, which is a National Historic Landmark, also includes an interactive area for children. Another marvelous attraction is the beautifully restored Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is a Victorian-era greenhouse. Don't forget to visit the NYBG Shop - a store which offers a wide range of goods, from books and garden supplies to jewelry and body products. For those interested in fresh fruits and vegetables, the garden also hosts a seasonal farmer's market.
The Apollo Theater is a distinguished and legendary landmark in Harlem. Originally it was a burlesque hall for an all-white audience when it opened its doors in 1914, but by the 1930s it became home to legendary jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. The theater has been restored, and every Wednesday at 7:30p the stage is opened to amateurs; when heckling is not just common, but expected. There are also musical performances held on other nights. Admission varies. Call for details.