Timeline
10:00
Enter the Metropolitan Museum of Art as it opens. The massive neo-Gothic building is freshest and least crowded in the morning. Head straight for the Egyptian Wing to see the ancient structures before the tour groups arrive.
11:00
Walk 16 minutes southwest to Strawberry Fields in Central Park. This quiet memorial to John Lennon offers a peaceful green space just steps from the museum. The 'Imagine' mosaic is a poignant spot to rest and reflect.
11:30
Walk 12 minutes back toward the museum area to Levain Bakery. Order their famous double chocolate cookies or banana bread with chocolate chips. It is a perfect sweet break after your morning of art and walking.
12:00
Return to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a final look at the Group of Bears sculpture in the courtyard. The bronze sculpture by Paul Manship is a striking centerpiece that captures the energy of the museum's exterior.
Local tip
The Met is closed on Mondays. On other days, it opens at 10 AM. Residents of NY State and students from NY/NJ/CT may pay what they wish for admission.
Check before you go
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art is open Sun-Tue/Thu 10AM-5PM and Fri-Sat 10AM-9PM. It is closed on Mondays.
- Levain Bakery is open Mo-Sa 07:00-21:00 and Su 08:00-21:00.
- Strawberry Fields is an outdoor public space accessible at all times.
Getting there
- East 77th Street & Lexington Avenue at Northwest Corner (subway) · 11 min walk
- East 77th Street & Lexington Avenue at Southwest Corner (subway) · 11 min walk
- East 86th Street & Lexington Avenue at Southwest Corner (subway) · 11 min walk
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Manhattan (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).