Metropolitan Museum of Art opens

The Metropolitan Museum of Art opened in New York on 20 February 1872, evolving into one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions, housing an extraordinary collection that spans centuries and civilizations

Desk Report

Publisted at 8:06 AM, Thu Feb 20th, 2025

On 20 February 1872, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its doors in New York City, marking the dawn of an illustrious institution that would become a cornerstone of global art and culture.

Established with the vision of enriching the American public with artistic masterpieces from across the world, the museum initially housed a modest collection of European paintings and antiquities.

Over the decades, it expanded into a vast repository of human creativity, boasting an unparalleled assemblage spanning millennia—from ancient Egyptian relics to modernist marvels.

Situated along the iconic Fifth Avenue, the Met not only showcases artistic excellence but also stands as a beacon of cultural enlightenment, drawing millions of visitors who seek to traverse the annals of history through its hallowed halls.