Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Introduction

Metropolitan Museum of Art, art museum in New York, one of the largest museums in the world. Founded in 1870 by a group of public figures, philanthropists, and artists, the museum has occupied its current location in New York's Central Park since 1880 in buildings designed by the American architect Richard Morris Hunt.

The museum's collections, among the finest in the world, are divided into 18 curatorial departments. Each department is responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and exhibition of its works. A description of each department follows.

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American Art

This department focuses on American works of art from the Colonial period to the present day. It houses paintings, textiles, glass and ceramic work, furniture, and household furnishings. Among the artists represented are Thomas Cole, John Singer Sargent, Thomas Eakins, and Winslow Homer.

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Ancient Near Eastern Art

Focusing on art from ancient Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria, Anatolia, and areas that include present-day Turkey, Iraq, and Pakistan, the collection ranges from the 6th millennium bc to the early 7th century ad. Sculpture, gold and silver works, and pieces from the palace of Ashurnasirpal II in Iraq are among the works displayed here.

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Arms and Armour

A collection of 14,000 functional and ceremonial weapons from Europe, the Near East, and Asia.