See and do · Museums · 2026
What to see at the Met.
In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 20 places.
The Met stopped me in my tracks the first time I walked through those doors. I was twenty-two, brand new to the city, and I wandered in on a rainy Tuesday because I didn’t know what else to do. Four hours disappeared. That was years ago and I still lose track of time every visit. If you’re planning a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, here’s what I think you absolutely can’t miss.
Keen to explore every inch of this masterpiece, my husband I purchased memberships three years ago and made a tradition of visiting on Sundays (we’ve been more than 50 times).
- Self Portrait With a Straw HatOther · Upper East SideOn par with Vincent van Gogh’s signature Neo-Impressionist technique and mastery of color, Self Portrait with a Straw Hat is must-see.
- Washington Crossing the DelawareOther · Upper East SideWashington Crossing the Delaware commemorates the night of December 25, 1776 when General Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River in the midst of the Revolutionary War.
- The Death of SocratesOther · Upper East SideThe painting is one of the most famous art pieces at The Met and it’s not hard to see why.
- The Denial of Saint PeterOther · Upper East SideYou don’t need to be an art connoisseur to appreciate this famous painting at the Met.
- The Dance Class & Little DancerOther · Upper East SideThis considered Degas’ most ambitious work on theme of ballet.
- Rembrandt Self-PortraitOther · Upper East SideThis one of my favorite paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I think it’s worth a detour.
- Aristotle with a Bust of HomerOther · Upper East SideThis iconic painting is considered one of the most celebrated paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reason alone to visit.
- Bridge Over a Pond of Water LiliesOther · Upper East SideDon’t miss an opportunity to see Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies, one of the most famous art pieces at the Met.
- A Study for "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte"Other · Upper East SideNeedless to say, it’s a must-see at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Vermeer's PaintingOther · Upper East SideThe Met is home to five of those, more than any other museum in the world.
- Garden at Sainte-AdresseOther · Upper East SideI’ve mentioned Monet’s most famous painting at the Met.Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies, but allow me to share my personal favorite by the artist, Garden at Sainte-Adresse.
- Ugolino and His SonsOther · Upper East SideIn fact, the expressive detail in this sculpture is credited for launching Carpeaux’s career.
- The Temple of DendurOther · Upper East SideI consider the Temple of Dendur a must-see at The Met for first time visitors.
- The Greek and Roman Sculpture CourtOther · Upper East SideHome to more than 30,000 works dating between 4500 B.C. to A.D. 312, the sculpture court is one of the most interesting things to see at the Met.
- Arms and ArmorOther · Upper East SideThe Arms and Armor room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is my husband’s favorite place to be on a rainy Sunday morning.
- Rooms from the Hôtel de VarengevilleOther · Upper East SideNo detail overlooked, this exhibit is always a kick for Francophiles.
- Human-Headed Winged LionOther · Upper East SideThe statues were sculpted with five legs to give the appearance of walking when viewed from the side (yet standing when viewed head on).
- Portraits by Lily Martin SpencerOther · Upper East SideIn my opinion, these are some of the most beautiful paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Young Mother SewingOther · Upper East SideHer portrait of Young Mother Sewing is a must see at the Met.
- Portrait of Gertrude Stein by Pablo PicassoOther · Upper East SideToday, it’s considered one of the most famous paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
- 1
Self Portrait With a Straw Hat
Other · Upper East Side
On par with Vincent van Gogh’s signature Neo-Impressionist technique and mastery of color, Self Portrait with a Straw Hat is must-see.
- 2
Washington Crossing the Delaware
Other · Upper East Side
Washington Crossing the Delaware commemorates the night of December 25, 1776 when General Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River in the midst of the Revolutionary War.
- 3
The Death of Socrates
Other · Upper East Side
The painting is one of the most famous art pieces at The Met and it’s not hard to see why.
- 4
The Denial of Saint Peter
Other · Upper East Side
You don’t need to be an art connoisseur to appreciate this famous painting at the Met.
- 5
The Dance Class & Little Dancer
Other · Upper East Side
This considered Degas’ most ambitious work on theme of ballet.
- 6
Rembrandt Self-Portrait
Other · Upper East Side
This one of my favorite paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I think it’s worth a detour.
- 7
Aristotle with a Bust of Homer
Other · Upper East Side
This iconic painting is considered one of the most celebrated paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reason alone to visit.
- 8
Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies
Other · Upper East Side
Don’t miss an opportunity to see Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies, one of the most famous art pieces at the Met.
- 9
A Study for "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte"
Other · Upper East Side
Needless to say, it’s a must-see at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- 10
Vermeer's Painting
Other · Upper East Side
The Met is home to five of those, more than any other museum in the world.
- 11
Garden at Sainte-Adresse
Other · Upper East Side
I’ve mentioned Monet’s most famous painting at the Met.Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies, but allow me to share my personal favorite by the artist, Garden at Sainte-Adresse.
- 12
Ugolino and His Sons
Other · Upper East Side
In fact, the expressive detail in this sculpture is credited for launching Carpeaux’s career.
- 13
The Temple of Dendur
Other · Upper East Side
I consider the Temple of Dendur a must-see at The Met for first time visitors.
- 14
The Greek and Roman Sculpture Court
Other · Upper East Side
Home to more than 30,000 works dating between 4500 B.C. to A.D. 312, the sculpture court is one of the most interesting things to see at the Met.
- 15
Arms and Armor
Other · Upper East Side
The Arms and Armor room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is my husband’s favorite place to be on a rainy Sunday morning.
- 16
Rooms from the Hôtel de Varengeville
Other · Upper East Side
No detail overlooked, this exhibit is always a kick for Francophiles.
- 17
Human-Headed Winged Lion
Other · Upper East Side
The statues were sculpted with five legs to give the appearance of walking when viewed from the side (yet standing when viewed head on).
- 18
Portraits by Lily Martin Spencer
Other · Upper East Side
In my opinion, these are some of the most beautiful paintings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- 19
Young Mother Sewing
Other · Upper East Side
Her portrait of Young Mother Sewing is a must see at the Met.
- 20
Portrait of Gertrude Stein by Pablo Picasso
Other · Upper East Side
Today, it’s considered one of the most famous paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
What to see at the Met, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 26 Epic Things to See at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.