Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art - Exclusive Guided Tour
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Skip-the-Line Metropolitan Museum of Art - Exclusive Guided Tour
By Babylon Tours New York City
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About
With more than 2 million artworks in the collections, the Metropolitan Museum of Art can be overwhelming to explore on your own. Get a personalized tour of New York City's premier museum with a small-group or private tour, led by an art historian guide. See a variety of artifacts like Henry VIII’s armor, Vermeer paintings, or pop culture memorabilia. Choose a weekend evening tour to escape the daytime crowds.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- See details of the collections that most people miss
- Hear insightful commentary from your art historian guide
- Includes admission ticket to the museum
- Have more flexibility with a small-group or private tour
- Skip-the-Line Private Museum Tour. Initial security line still mandatory for all guests and may vary
- Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You
- Duration 2.5 Hours
- Wheelchair Friendly
- All Entrance Fees
- Entry/Admission - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
What's not included- Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
- Start:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USABy the Information Desk in front of the Egyptian Pharaoh statue, in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 43656P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- A maximum of 8 people per booking
- Notes: The Met museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 43656P1
From
$132.50
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USABy the Information Desk in front of the Egyptian Pharaoh statue, in the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- 1Its roughly 2 million works of art and artifacts cover everything from Ancient Egypt to modern art. From the Great Hall, you’ll visit the museum’s most important galleries. Pass through the Medieval Europe Gallery on your way to the Studiolo from the Ducal Palace. Explore armory form the Middle Ages, including pieces worn by Henry VIII. The American wing hosts the staircase from the Chicago Stock Exchange as well as the famed portrait of Washington crossing the Delaware. A host of European painters including Vermeer, Picasso, and Van Gogh await you as you learn about their troubled yet exciting lives. All the while, your guide will explain how this iconic American museum differs from its older European counterparts, especially since it began before the United States was even 100 years old! Highlights generally include (if artwork is not on loan or being restored): Henry VIII armor, Tiffany Autumn landscape, Chicago Stock Exchange Stairs, Madame X, Pop culture then and now, Hudson River School, Washington Crossing the Delaware, Jan Vermeer, Madonna with Child, Picasso, Seurat, Van Gogh, and more!
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- O7909TOmelissac0 contributionsBest time on Ellis Island and our tour of Lady LibertyWe had a wonderful time with Charlie he is very knowledgeable regarding the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. He is funny and will go out of his way to show you a wonderful time during your tour. Thanks Charlie we will definitely see you again.Written September 16, 2024
- gailcM4426TE0 contributionsWonderful day with CharlieCharlie was Fantastic he was welcoming from the moment we met. Pointed out so many things of interest and was well educated in the history of the things we saw. Never felt rushed and was able to answer so many questions. If you ever take this tour request CHARLIE !!!Written September 16, 2024
- barrycG4037KQ0 contributionsGreat tour with CharlieCharlie was excellent explained everything in details, took the time to answer all questions and explain I highly highly highly recommended and then CharlieWritten September 16, 2024
- Susan F0 contributionsGood information from a knowable guide.Charlie was very knowledgeable, professional and kind. He has a wonderful sense of history and engaged everyone in the group.Written September 16, 2024
- anncC5687QR0 contributionsJust Book It!!!Charlie was amazing. Our travel agent recommended him highly. Very informative. I learned so much. Definitely recommend this tour!!! Just book it. You won’t be disappointedWritten September 16, 2024
- jfhtuirif0 contributions5 star tour of the METRob was amazing as was his love, knowledge, enthusiasm and experience in art. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who would like to dive deeper into the art at the METWritten September 14, 2024
- 972bricen0 contributionsMET tourCharlie was great! Very knowledgeable and made the tour very memorable. I would strongly recommend him. We learned so much and made it a great evening.Written September 13, 2024
- CanadianChick20160 contributionsBest way to see the MET and get a good overview!Jeff was a great tour guide to visit the MET. He is very knowledgeable and it was nice to hear the history of the MET and information about the artifacts in the MET. We had a semi-private tour (8 people max.) in the group which was well worth the price to have a smaller group. Saw groups of 14-15 people and I don't think we would have gotten the same experience with a larger group.Written September 9, 2024
- TonyK_14080 contributionsGreat tour in our limited timeCharlie was very welcoming and put us at ease straight away. He was very knowledgeable on all aspects of the museum and showed us a great snap shot of the huge museum which we thought just suited our needs for the limited time we had.Written September 6, 2024
- 200carolynp0 contributionsCharlie demonstrated his passion and love of the art work and provided a historical perspectiveWe had a great Docent Charlie who provided a historical perspective and told interesting stories around selective art items. Charlie was fun and provided a fast paced tour but provided a needed break for a cold drink. Very informativeWritten September 5, 2024
- Go7475120 contributionsA Met Primer from a NYC ActorCharlie showed my friend Chris and me an overview of the Met through an actor's eyes, providing insightful commentary with loads of personality and energy. We enjoyed Charlie's engaging style and personal anecdotes. Given the majestic size of the Met and this being our first visit, we appreciated the primer from someone who navigates the museum with ease. Highly recommend!Written September 5, 2024
- DayTrip4289310 contributionsTrip to the MetThis was an excellent experience. Kevin was knowledgeable, energetic and detailed. He told the story of the pieces, the time period and the evolution of art. Both fun and educational especially for novice art viewers, thank you Kevin!Written September 1, 2024
- rubymK167SA0 contributionsIncredible historic tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island!Charlie was a wonderful tour guide. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met! Highly recommend this tour. Learned so much! Welcome your family & friends!Written August 31, 2024
- joshuarR6244JI0 contributionsThe BEST tour guide!Charlie was the absolute best! Highly recommend him to give your tour. We learned so much and can’t wait to come back again!Written August 31, 2024
- AnaMuEs0 contributionsThe perfect Met tour!!Charlie was the perfect guide! He drove us through the massive Met museum and in 2.5h we saw the masterpieces. It was the perfect amount of time to get a great vision: ancient Egipt, american painting, impressionists, abstract art... without getting too tired. He made it funny and entertaining, full of laughter. The group was only 6 pax, perfect to interact but intimate enough. Also, the client service (Antoine Weber) answered all our questions in a very efficient way. Thank you!!Written August 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
359 reviews
Excellent
357
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2
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Shawna T
1 contribution
Aug 2021
Phenomenal experience with Katherine - a 2 hour private tour of the Met that turned into 3 hours because the tour was so entertaining. My two 11-year-old kids, my husband and I enjoyed every minute. Katherine is a gifted storyteller who not only explained the history behind the art but also explained its relevance to today. Such a pleasant day!
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PCF
Omaha, NE2 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Mark was an amazing tour guide. We had such a blast. I Scheduled a tour with myself and three teenage boys 13, 16 and 17 and it was probably the favorite from the whole trip. Mark is enthusiastic and a great teacher. He has such an immense knowledge about the history behind, not only the museum, but also all of the art. He is an artist which unquestionably ads a whole new element and appreciation for immersing you in the experience.
If you want a great time for all ages to explore, not only, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but the whole world of art —-book a tour with Mark.
If you want a great time for all ages to explore, not only, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but the whole world of art —-book a tour with Mark.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
els091968
Winnipeg, Canada17 contributions
Oct 2022
Mark Venaglia was an absolutely fantastic guide. His enthusiasm and knowledge was second to none. We were able to visit almost every gallery in the MET and all learned something new and fascinating. We would definitely book with Mark again and recommend him highly to others seeking an unforgettable experience at the museum.
As a bonus, Mark also gave us the name of a great restaurant where we had an amazing lunch!
As a bonus, Mark also gave us the name of a great restaurant where we had an amazing lunch!
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly F
Panama City Beach, FL9 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I thoroughly enjoyed the semi private tour with Jonathan. He was very informative and had a great personality. I would definitely recommend to those who easily get overwhelmed on large museums. I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J m
Houston, TX56 contributions
Aug 2022
The Met is a wonderful museum but overwhelming to someone who has never been before or has limited time. Robin, our tour guide was excellent! She navigated us through the museum in an efficient way and was very engaging with the different pieces, telling background stories, pointing out details, comparing different artists. Her knowledge was across all genres. She communicated with us in advance (day before and morning of) about where and when to meet, including a selfie so we could find her in the crowd. Very professional. At the end of the tour she helped us plot out any additional things we wanted to go back and see more. Can't say enough about how great this was.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sini J
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My husband and I had an amazing time at the Met with Mark. We have learned so much more than we could possibly have expected to find on our own. Mark is wonderfully knowledgeable and full of great tidbits, stories, and perspectives. He even recommended other great museums and art installations to check out in the city. We are so glad to have made our visit memorable with this tour.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mattt936
Honolulu, HI32 contributions
This was our third private tour with Babylon tours over the last few years - The British Museum in London, the Louvre, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.
Throughout these adventures, we’ve benefited from the knowledge and expertise of top notch guides. Mark, our guide on our tour of the Met, was the best of all. He was not only able to distill the massive content of the Met into a meaningful 2 hour experience, but his enthusiasm and kindness really brought the Met to life. We loved this tour and the way Mark lead us through it.
Thank you Mark! We look forward to another tour with Babylon before long.
Throughout these adventures, we’ve benefited from the knowledge and expertise of top notch guides. Mark, our guide on our tour of the Met, was the best of all. He was not only able to distill the massive content of the Met into a meaningful 2 hour experience, but his enthusiasm and kindness really brought the Met to life. We loved this tour and the way Mark lead us through it.
Thank you Mark! We look forward to another tour with Babylon before long.
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda S
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Couples
Robin was our guide and was wonderful from start to finish!!!
She confirmed details the day before- letting us know about the Met gala set- up so the entrance/ line was different.
She was waiting for us outside the museum ( we were early) and our tour began as soon as we stepped inside the Met. She was knowledgeable , professional and passionate about all the pieces we viewed and we learned soooooo much— grateful to be armed with this knowledge for our next visit to the Met...the museum can be so overwhelming and you learn to navigate it better after this experience.
Thank you so much ,Robin, it was a wonderful way to start my birthday !!! What a gift.
She confirmed details the day before- letting us know about the Met gala set- up so the entrance/ line was different.
She was waiting for us outside the museum ( we were early) and our tour began as soon as we stepped inside the Met. She was knowledgeable , professional and passionate about all the pieces we viewed and we learned soooooo much— grateful to be armed with this knowledge for our next visit to the Met...the museum can be so overwhelming and you learn to navigate it better after this experience.
Thank you so much ,Robin, it was a wonderful way to start my birthday !!! What a gift.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiaSFH
New York City, NY3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Mark was a wonderful guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history and architecture of the museum, and he offered interesting artist’s insights to the works. He did a great job of understanding what I thought was interesting and showing me pieces I wouldn’t have normally examined on my own. I’d highly recommend this tour.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigate62835915501
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Family
Mark was an excellent guide for our family. We have three teenagers and Mark did an excellent job in keeping them interested and engaged throughout the tour. We saw a “best of selection” of this absolutely magnificent museum. We highly recommend it and please ask to have Mark, who is an artist himself, as your guide.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to book Jonathon for a tour for 3 people, 2 adults and one youth, for OctoberTuesday, October 4. Would he be available?
Written August 15, 2022
We are a party of 3, including one 11-year old. Can we get a tour oriented towards children?
Written August 15, 2022
We would like to book a semi private Met tour on October 18 at 10:30 but am unable to book it. Only the private tour option is available. Is it possible to book a semi private tour? Thank you for your time.
Written September 6, 2021
I want to spend the entire day ( Sunday) at the met.... does this tour start at opening? 10 am?
Written May 5, 2019
Hi, I am travelling to NYC later this month and want to see the Heavenly Bodies exhibition. Can you assist?
Written September 5, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
