About the Collection
The Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is not strictly a separate curated collection, but the grandeur of one of New York's most famous interiors is worth a thoughtful visit. Admission, coat check, the information desk and the bookshop will naturally bring you to the Great Hall (though we highly recommend getting tickets in the south entrance where lines are much shorter). While waiting, look up, look down and look around to see the details large and small in the welcome foyer of the world's greatest museum.
What You Will See
A few things are worth noting in the Great Hall aside from the unmissable mega-sculptures and imposing neoclassical architecture). First, notice the four giant flower arrangements. These change weekly (on Tuesdays) thanks to a perpetual endowment from Lila Acheson Wallace. These are the responsibility of designer Remco van Vilet. Next, stop by the information desk--a map is a necessity for all but the brave and the multi-lingual staff can answer almost any question. Finally, head up to the balcony and look down for a second impressive vista.
Why You Should Go
A visit to the Great Hall is almost inescapable given its location. But consider it in the larger context of the museum as a whole: a neoclassical anteroom in a very European style that serves as the connection to the two great foundations of human culture and art: Greco-Roman and Egyptian. The museum not only contains works of profound wisdom and symbolism but is of itself designed to tell the story of human history. This is your base camp and meeting point for the exploration to come.
