By The Met Rooftop Garden (officially the Cantor Roof Garden Bar and Exhibition) is a seasonal highlight of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering visitors a chance to enjoy art installations, open-air city views, and a relaxing atmosphere — all above Central Park. Whether you’re visiting for the art, the drinks, or the breathtaking panorama, the Rooftop Garden Tour is a must-do experience. 🍹🖼️🌇
📍 Where Is the Rooftop Garden?
📍 The Met Fifth Avenue – 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
🚪 Access via the museum’s elevator from the 1st floor (ask staff or follow signs)
🎯 Rooftop = Cantor Roof Garden Bar & Exhibit, above the American Wing
🕒 When Is It Open?
🗓️ Seasonal: Typically April through late October (weather permitting)
🕰️ During regular museum hours:
- Sunday–Tuesday & Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
☀️ Last elevator to the roof is usually 30–45 minutes before closing
✅ Included with general admission
🖼️ What You’ll Experience on the Tour
- Temporary rooftop art installations by globally renowned contemporary artists
- 360° views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, and the Upper East Side
- A relaxing, open-air bar with light drinks and snacks
- Photo ops galore — especially at sunset or on clear days!
🎨 Past Artists Featured
- Alex Da Corte (2021) – surreal Big Bird sculpture
- Héctor Zamora (2020) – architectural latticework
- Cornelia Parker, Alicja Kwade, Doug and Mike Starn, among others
Each year’s installation is totally unique and often interactive or thought-provoking.
❓ The Met Rooftop Garden Tour – FAQ
1️⃣ Is it free to access the rooftop?
✅ Yes — access is included with your museum ticket
🎟️ No extra reservation needed (unless a private event is scheduled)
2️⃣ Can I buy food or drinks up there?
🍸 Yes — the Roof Garden Bar offers:
- Wine, cocktails, beer
- Soft drinks, snacks, and small bites
💳 Card only — no cash accepted
3️⃣ Can I bring my own food?
🚫 No outside food or drinks allowed on the rooftop
4️⃣ Is the rooftop kid-friendly?
👨👩👧👦 Yes — but it’s more of a quiet, adult-friendly space
- No running or climbing
- Children must be accompanied by adults
5️⃣ Is it wheelchair accessible?
♿ Yes — take the designated elevator from inside the museum
🚻 Accessible restrooms nearby on the same level
6️⃣ What happens if it rains?
🌧️ The rooftop closes in bad weather
- Always check The Met’s website or social media for status updates
- No alternate location for rooftop exhibits (they are weather-sensitive)
7️⃣ When is the best time to go?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| 🌤️ Midday | Bright views of Central Park |
| 🌇 Late afternoon | Beautiful golden hour lighting |
| 🌃 Friday/Saturday evenings | Rooftop open later + skyline under city lights |
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📸 Bring your camera — the skyline and art installations make for unforgettable photos
- 🧥 Bring a light layer — it can be windy, even in summer
- 🗺️ Pair your visit with a walk through the American Wing or European Paintings
- ☕ Visit the museum cafés before heading up — rooftop menu is limited
🎟 Want help planning a full Met itinerary that ends with a rooftop sunset and skyline view?
Let me know! I’ll help you create a personalized Met experience that blends art, architecture, and unforgettable rooftop vibes 🌇🖼️🍷✨
🌇 The Met Rooftop Garden Tour – FAQ
The Met Rooftop Garden is one of NYC’s hidden gems — a seasonal open-air space where art meets skyline views. Located atop The Met Fifth Avenue, this elevated oasis is home to rotating contemporary art installations, a rooftop bar, and breathtaking panoramas of Central Park and Manhattan.
1️⃣ Where is the Rooftop Garden located?
📍 Atop the Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St)
🛗 Accessible via elevator in the American Wing (ask any staff member for directions)
2️⃣ Is the rooftop included with general admission?
✅ Yes! Your standard Met ticket includes access to the Rooftop Garden
🎟️ No separate ticket or reservation is needed (unless there’s a private event)
3️⃣ When is the rooftop open?
🗓️ Seasonal: Usually open from April through late October
🕒 Follows museum hours:
- Sun–Tues & Thurs: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Fri & Sat: 10 AM – 9 PM
🌧️ Closes during bad weather — check The Met’s website or social channels for updates
4️⃣ What can I see on the Rooftop Garden Tour?
- 🖼️ Rotating art installations by world-class contemporary artists
- 🏙️ 360° views of Manhattan, Central Park, and beyond
- 🍸 Cantor Roof Garden Bar for wine, cocktails, and light bites
- 📸 Tons of photo opportunities — especially at sunset!
5️⃣ Who are some of the past rooftop artists?
- Alex Da Corte (2021): Big Bird-inspired surreal sculpture
- Héctor Zamora (2020): Brick lattice structure
- Alicja Kwade, Cornelia Parker, Simone Leigh, and others
Each installation is site-specific and designed to complement the skyline.
6️⃣ Can I eat or drink up there?
✅ Yes — the Roof Garden Bar offers:
- 🍷 Beer, wine, cocktails
- 🥤 Soft drinks
- 🍪 Small snacks/light fare
💳 Card only — no cash accepted
🚫 Outside food or drink is not allowed
7️⃣ Is it family-friendly?
👨👩👧👦 Yes, but it’s a more relaxed, scenic space — not ideal for young children to run around
- Children must be supervised at all times
- Strollers are allowed (space permitting)
8️⃣ Is the Rooftop Garden accessible?
♿ Yes — it is fully ADA accessible
- Elevator access available
- Seating available throughout
- Nearby restrooms on the same level
9️⃣ Can I take photos?
📸 Absolutely!
- Non-flash photography is allowed
- The rooftop is one of the best photo spots at The Met
🚫 No tripods or selfie sticks
🔟 What’s the best time to visit?
| Time of Day | Why Go Then |
|---|---|
| 🌤️ Midday | Bright skyline + fewer crowds |
| 🌇 Golden Hour | Stunning sunset over Central Park |
| 🌃 Friday/Saturday | Rooftop open late with evening views |
✅ Bonus Tips
- 🧥 Bring a layer — it can get breezy even on warm days
- ☕ Eat before you go — rooftop snacks are light
- 🗺️ Pair with a tour of the American Wing, European Paintings, or Temple of Dendur
- 📱 Download The Met app to check current rooftop exhibit info and museum map
🎟 Want help planning a Met day that ends with a sunset and skyline?
Let me know! I’ll help you map out an itinerary with art highlights, chill rooftop time, and picture-perfect views of NYC 🖼️🌇🍷✨
