9. NYC: Metropolitan Museum and Museum of Natural History Tour
Start with the Met and its roughly 2 million works of art and artifacts covering everything from Ancient Egypt to modern art. From the Great Hall, visit the museum’s most important galleries. Pass through the Medieval Europe Gallery on your way to the Studiolo from the Ducal Palace. Explore armory from the Middle Ages, including pieces worn by Henry VIII. The American wing hosts the staircase from the Chicago Stock Exchange as well as the famed portrait of Washington crossing the Delaware. A host of European painters including Vermeer, Picasso and Van Gogh awaits you as you learn about their troubled yet exciting lives.
After a break for lunch, check out a few of the 33 million objects housed in the American Museum of Natural History, covering basically all of Earth’s history. Begin with the museum itself as you learn about its history in the majestic Roosevelt Rotunda. Your guide will then reveal how the dioramas are made as you explore the giant African mammals of the Akeley Hall. Then move towards the dinosaur exhibits where you’ll explore some of the most complete collections of dinosaur skeletons in the world. From the gargantuan Titanosaur to the more familiar T-Rex, you’ll feel like a kid again as you learn their stories. Then move on to hear about the North American Forests, featuring the giant Sequoia, before gazing up at the giant Blue Whale hanging overhead in the Hall of Ocean Life. Visit some American mammals as you learn about the National Parks of the United States. Finally, blast off beyond the orbit in the Rose Center for Earth and Space to feel unbelievably insignificant facing the mysteries of the cosmos
Highlights Generally Include: (if artwork is not on loan or being restored etc.) Henry VIII armor, Tiffany Autumn landscape, Chicago Stock Exchange Stairs, Madame X, Pop culture then and now, Hudson River School, Washington Crossing the Delaware, Jan Vermeer, Madonna with Child, Picasson, Seurat, Van Gogh and more!
This 5.5-hour guided tour runs daily and it includes entrance fees for both Metropolitan Museum of Art and American Museum of Natural History, a professional art historian guide, and private and semi-private tour options. Gratuities, food, drinks, and pickup or drop-off services are not included.