The Metropolitan Museum of Art (or The Met) houses an amazingly diverse collection of work. Before you even step foot inside the Museum, you must cross one of the great open spaces in New York: the 13-1/2' x 154' granite staircase. With Central Park serving as The Met’s front yard, there is never a shortage of people sitting, laying, eating and even break dancing on the bountiful steps.
Upon entering, giant stone arches and breakable vases holding beautiful flowers may lead you to think that you’ve come to a place where your child will have limited freedom to explore. Think
again! The Met has a few collections that will encourage your child to ask questions, wander around in open spaces, and giggle mischievously at armor that guards…well…. everywhere.Upon entering, giant stone arches and breakable vases holding beautiful flowers may lead you to think that you’ve come to a place where your child will have limited freedom to explore. Think
Frugal things first: there is a $20.00 suggested donation for entrance. But it is actually just a suggestion. People can pay what they’d like, with literally no ire from the museum employees. There is no donation expected for children under twelve.
The collection of ancient Egyptian art is more than impressive. It is exciting! With tombs, sarcophagus, scarabs, golden flip-flops and mummies, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t drop their jaw in awe of this magnificent sight.
The crowning jewel of the Egyptian wing is the Temple of Dendur. It is an actual Nubian temple, built in Egypt, which was dismantled to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, and rebuilt within the walls of the Met. Its new home surrounds the sandstone temple with a reflecting pool, and lighting engineered to mimic the lighting in Nubia. With tons of open floor space, this is a place where parents and their children can really dig into Egyptian myths and legends in a totally interactive way.
Moving along to the Arms and Armor wing, this collection has enough guns and armor to engage even the most museum-resistant child. This display crosses cultures at every turn, with the Japanese swords and armor that calls Darth Vader to mind, to the chain mail of the more Arthurian-era warriors. There’s a suit in particular that makes kids gape, point and giggle because of the strategically placed armor. Who am I kidding? The parents snicker too. Another favorite is the life-size models riding on horseback in full armor. This wing alone warrants a trip to this museum.
Finally, making your way to the marble sarcophagus with the Triumph of Dionysos and the Seasons from the Late Imperial Gallienic period in Rome should round out the visit. This wildly ornate piece looks like it could be a highly indulgent bathtub, which is what I claimed it was until my son was old enough to read the word, “sarcophagus.”
Who knew a stone coffin could be so beautiful?
To get to this exhibit, you are treated to a stroll down the Greek and Roman Galleries of the Met, which features sculptures and paintings in an expansive gallery with columns and giant windows providing perfect light.
