Memorial Day at the Met

Emanuel Leutze (American, 1816–1868). Washington Crossing the Delaware, 1851. Oil on canvas; 149 x 255 in. (378.5 x 647.7 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of John Stewart Kennedy, 1897 (97.34)

«Join us throughout the holiday weekend as we celebrate Memorial Day at the Met. Enjoy a special guided tour of the American Wing, use one of our many family guides to explore the galleries, or see artworks in the Museum's collection that were saved by the Monuments Men—a group of unlikely heroes culled from the art world who risked their lives to preserve Europe's cultural treasures during World War II.»

The Museum is proud to offer free Museum admission to all U.S. veterans and active military members (with valid ID) on Monday, May 26.

Guided Tour—American Heroes

Encounter celebrated heroes from American history found in the Met's collection. Guided tours on Monday, May 26, will meet at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Great Hall. No reservations required.

Self-Guided Tour—The Monuments Men at the Met: Treasures Saved During World War II

The Monuments Men were 345 men and women representing 13 nations, who volunteered for service in the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program during World War II. James Rorimer, a Monuments Man who eventually became director of the Metropolitan Museum in 1955, played a pivotal role in the MFAA's efforts.

Use the itinerary, complemented by writings from Monuments Men historians and James Rorimer himself, to discover eleven works of art that narrowly escaped destruction and were restituted to their rightful owners. Without the courage, determination, and foresight of the Monuments Men, these important paintings would not be in the Met's collection today. Printed guides are available at the Great Hall Information Desk.

Self-Guided Tour—Young in America

Use the Young in America: Look and Imagine in the American Wing family guide to explore the American Wing galleries, and discover what it once was like to be young in America. All Museum family guides are available at the Great Hall Information Desk.