The Met Roof Garden
A seasonal rooftop oasis at The Met, offering stunning city views and rotating art installations. Temporarily closed until 2030 for renovations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
The Met Roof Garden
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A seasonal rooftop oasis at The Met, offering stunning city views and rotating art installations. Temporarily closed until 2030 for renovations.
"The view is great though. Definitely recommend coming up and at least having a look."
🎯 Ask for Directions
It's surprisingly hard to find! Don't hesitate to ask museum staff for the dedicated elevator.
🥂 Plastic Cups?
Be prepared for drinks served in plastic cups, even for alcoholic beverages.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Manhattan Views
Fifth Floor
Soak in breathtaking vistas of Central Park and the iconic New York City skyline. A perfect photo op!
Rotating Art Installations
Cantor Roof Garden
Each year, a new site-specific art installation transforms the space, offering a unique artistic experience.
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Sunset Serenity
Cantor Roof Garden Bar
Experience a magical sunset over the city with a drink in hand. A truly unforgettable moment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Temporary Closure Alert!
Navigating to the Rooftop
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for Directions
It's surprisingly hard to find! Don't hesitate to ask museum staff for the dedicated elevator. +1
🥂 Plastic Cups?
Be prepared for drinks served in plastic cups, even for alcoholic beverages.
☀️ Limited Shade
On hot days, the sun can be intense. Consider a hat or umbrella if you plan to linger.
🪑 Seating Scarcity
Seating is limited, mostly low wooden benches. High tables would be a welcome addition.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for Directions
It's surprisingly hard to find! Don't hesitate to ask museum staff for the dedicated elevator. +1
🥂 Plastic Cups?
Be prepared for drinks served in plastic cups, even for alcoholic beverages.
☀️ Limited Shade
On hot days, the sun can be intense. Consider a hat or umbrella if you plan to linger.
🪑 Seating Scarcity
Seating is limited, mostly low wooden benches. High tables would be a welcome addition.
💰 Pay What You Wish
NY residents and students can pay what they wish for museum admission.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline from The Met Roof Garden. The annual art installations add an extra layer of appeal. However, many find the 'bar' experience lacking due to limited seating, high prices for basic food and drinks, and the use of plastic cups, leading some to recommend visiting for the views alone.
"I wish it was more like an actual bar. They barely had any seats. Some high tables and chairs would be much better than the wooden benches which are too low and also don’t face the view. We went on a hot day and the sun was burning us up. Would have been nice to have some shade options.
The “bar” is ok but also there I would have preferred actually glasses instead of little plastic cups.
The view is great though. Definitely recommend coming up and at least having a look."
Hannah
"The Cantor Roof Garden Bar at the Met is an excellent place, weather permitting, to view the Manhattan skyline, get a cocktail, and a bite to eat."
Eugenia Russell Hargrove
"I just feel like for $60 for 2 sandwiches, 1 alcoholic beverage and 1 soda they could have at least put out some tables.
The view was great, the art was okay I guess."
RE CV
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach the Cantor Roof Garden, head to the fifth floor of The Met. Look for signs directing you to the dedicated elevator, often found near the European sculpture galleries. If you're unsure, museum staff can guide you. +1
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has an underground parking garage accessible from Fifth Avenue. However, for the most eco-friendly and cost-effective option, consider using public transportation to reach the museum.
Access to The Met Roof Garden is included with museum admission. For New York State residents and students from New Jersey and Connecticut, admission is 'Pay What You Wish.'
The Met is easily accessible by subway (lines 4, 5, 6 to 86th Street) or bus (M1, M2, M3, M4, or BxM10). Many visitors also enjoy walking or biking through Central Park to reach the museum.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is committed to accessibility. The Roof Garden is accessible via elevators within the museum. It's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Cantor Roof Garden hours typically align with the museum's hours, but can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check The Met's official website for the most current operating times, as they often close for the season in late fall and reopen in spring. +1
Admission to The Met Roof Garden is included with your general museum ticket. For New York State residents and students from NY/NJ, admission is 'Pay What You Wish.'
No, a separate ticket is not required for the Cantor Roof Garden Bar. Access is included with your museum admission. However, purchases at the bar are separate.
The Met Roof Garden typically closes for the season in late October. It is scheduled to be closed for renovations until 2030. Always check the museum's official website for exact dates.
Yes, New York State residents and students from NY/NJ can enjoy 'Pay What You Wish' admission. Additionally, American Bank cardholders may get free admission on the first full weekend of the month.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The art installations at The Met Roof Garden change annually. Past installations have featured artists like Lauren Halsey, Jennie C. Jones, and Petrit Halilaj. Check The Met's website for details on the current exhibition.
Seating at the Cantor Roof Garden is limited, primarily consisting of low wooden benches. Many visitors note the lack of tables and chairs, making it challenging to relax with a drink or snack.
Yes, there is a bar and limited food options, including packaged sandwiches and snacks. However, reviews suggest the selection is minimal and prices can be high for what's offered.
The views are spectacular! You get panoramic vistas of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, making it a popular spot for photos and enjoying the cityscape.
Crowds can vary, but it tends to be busier during peak hours, especially around sunset. Visiting on a weekday morning can offer a more serene experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food selection at the Cantor Roof Garden Bar is generally limited to pre-packaged sandwiches and snacks. Don't expect a full restaurant menu.
The bar offers alcoholic beverages, including wine and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options like soda. However, be aware that drinks are often served in plastic cups.
Unfortunately, there are very few tables and chairs. The primary seating consists of low wooden benches, which many visitors find inconvenient for enjoying food or drinks.
Reviews suggest that the food can be quite expensive for what is offered, with some visitors feeling it's not good value for money.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside The Metropolitan Museum of Art, including the Roof Garden. It's best to consume any personal items before entering the museum or in designated areas outside.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire rooftop offers fantastic photo opportunities! Capture the skyline, Central Park, and the current art installation. The edges of the garden provide unobstructed views.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed at The Met Roof Garden. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the art installations. Tripods and professional equipment may require special permits.
Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offers the most beautiful lighting for photos. The city lights twinkling on after dark can also be stunning.
Drones are strictly prohibited within The Metropolitan Museum of Art and its grounds, including the Roof Garden, for safety and privacy reasons.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing great shots. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) will allow you to capture both wide cityscapes and details of the art.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for limited seating and potentially crowded conditions, especially during peak times. Bringing a small, portable blanket can be helpful for kids to sit on if benches are occupied. Remember that food and drink options are basic, so consider a more substantial meal before or after your visit to the rooftop. The 'Pay What You Wish' admission for NY residents is also a significant plus for budget-conscious families.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the bar offers drinks and snacks, reviews suggest they can be pricey for what you get. To save money, consider enjoying the views and the art without making a purchase at the bar. Pack your own water bottle and perhaps a small snack to enjoy discreetly, or plan to dine elsewhere in the city. The stunning views alone are worth the visit, even without a purchase.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While smartphone cameras are excellent here, a camera with a good zoom lens will allow you to capture details of the cityscape and the art from different perspectives. Be mindful of the limited seating and the flow of other visitors when setting up for shots. The absence of tripods in most areas means you'll likely be shooting handheld, so a steady hand or image stabilization is beneficial.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the Roof Garden
+1Past commissions have ranged from sculptural installations to immersive environments, each reflecting the artist's distinct vision. For example, Lauren Halsey's 'Ensemble' drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian symbolism and contemporary street art, while Petrit Halilaj's 'Abetare' explored themes of memory and identity through a vibrant, sculptural piece.
+1 These temporary artworks transform the rooftop into an open-air gallery, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience art in a breathtaking setting.It's important to note that the Roof Garden is temporarily closed for renovations until 2030. This closure is in preparation for the construction of the new Tang Wing, which will further enhance the museum's facilities. While the current installations are no longer accessible, the future promises even more exciting artistic endeavors upon its reopening.
Navigating the Cantor Roof Garden Experience
Finding the Roof Garden can be a challenge for first-time visitors. It's essential to follow signs for the 'Cantor Roof Garden Bar' and utilize the dedicated elevator. Asking museum staff for directions is highly recommended, as it can save considerable time and frustration.
While the views are consistently praised, the amenities have received mixed reviews. The limited seating, often consisting of low benches, and the use of plastic cups for drinks are common points of feedback. Despite these drawbacks, the overall experience of enjoying the city from this elevated vantage point, especially during sunset, is considered a must-do for many visitors to The Met.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit