The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 5th Ave

Known colloquially as The Met, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, can be found on the Eastern fringe of Central Park, along what is known as Museum Mile in New York City, USA. Its permanent collection contains more than two million works of art, divided into nineteen curatorial departments, from classical antiquity and Ancient Egypt, paintings and sculptures from nearly all the European masters, and an extensive collection of American and modern art. The museum also maintains extensive holdings of African, Asian, Oceanic, Byzantine and Islamic art.

The Met is also home to encyclopedic collections of musical instruments, costumes and accessories, and antique weapons and armor from around the world. In addition, a number of notable interiors, ranging from 1st century Rome through modern American design, are permanently installed in the Met's galleries.

The Metropolitan Musuem was founded in 1870 by a group of American citizens. These founders included businessmen and financiers, as well as leading artists and thinkers of the day, who wanted to open a museum to bring art and art education to the American people. It was opened on February 20, 1872, originally located at 681 Fifth Avenue.

In 2007, the Met measured almost a quarter mile long and occupied more than two million square feet.

Website: http://www.metmuseum.org