Neighborhood: Upper East Side

Often referred to as The Met by the locals, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and finest art museums in the world. It’s hard to even refer to The Met as just a museum because it is so much more. Besides offering you looks at the some of the most amazing pieces of art from around the world, there’s quite an experience to be had here. From the classes they teach for adults, to the lectures, you can come to The Met and never have the same experience twice.

The art that lines the walls and rooms of The Metropolitan Museum of Art are really breathtaking….to say the least. There are both permanent and moving collections at the museum – including Impressionist Art, Sculptures, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Ritual Objects, and Islamic Art. That’s just a few of the many exhibits and/or artifacts on display at the museum.

Take advantage of one of the free guided tours offered by the museum. They’re available in many different languages so everyone can listen in. After your guided tour is over, you’re free to roam around the museum for hours. In fact, many people choose to just plop down and study the skillful art around them. Also available with museum admission are gallery talks. This is when some of the museum curators, advanced students of art, or independent scholars discus different aspects of the collections or special exhibits. If your love for art supersedes your love for anything else, then you definitely shouldn’t miss these comprehensive and informative talks.

If you have a passion for the arts but don’t quite know where to begin, you may want to consider taking an adult art class at The Met. It’s more than just a classroom; it is a classroom in the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art where you get hands on experience in learning and absorbing art. You’re taught by master instructors and it’ll allow you to see art in a whole new way. Some of the programs have fees, but there are quite a few that are free and only require registration.

Museum Fees:

Adults: $20
Seniors (65+): $15
Students: $10
Children (12 & Under): Free

Located in the heart of Central Park is one of America’s beloved animal attractions, the Central Park Zoo. Central Park began housing animals in the mid 1800’s, however it wasn’t until a century later, in 1988 when the Central Park Zoo began to take its current form. Natural animal habitats, educational programs, and natural exhibits have all helped to reshape the park into the amazing zoo that it is today. Today the Wildlife Conservation Society operates it, and they have made tremendous strides to ensure that the quality of animal life at the park is held in high regard. The Wildlife Conservation Society works with several other organizations to help protect endangered species.

Features

Manhattanites have been proud of the Central Park Zoo since it opened and it is a staple in New York’s culture. For those who are enjoying a day at the park, a trip to the zoo will bring great entertainment as well as much educational value to your excursion. You will be impressed to see the breeding programs that the zoo has enabled to help save many of the endangered species that reside at the zoo.

Things To Do

You’ll enjoy strolling through the habitats and viewing the different species. The zoo contains over five acres of wildlife preserve and the zoo has designated three regions. These regions or zones are, the Polar Zone, the Tropic Zone, and the Temperate Territory. The Polar Zone features Polar Bears and Harbor Seals. The Tropic Zone showcases many tropical birds, and the Temperate Territory exhibit includes the California Sea Lion, Red Pandas, and Mandarin Ducks. The zoo is a wonderful experience that provides plenty of great entertainment.

Admission Fees

Children (Under 3): Free

Children (Ages 3-12): $3

Adults: $8

Seniors: $4