Metropolitan Museum of Art Skip-the-Line Semi-Private Tour
Explore The Met's highlights with an expert guide in a small group and skip the lines.
From$132/ person
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Discover what we've curated for you
Explore The Met's highlights with an expert guide in a small group and skip the lines.
Discover what we've curated for you
2–2.5 hrs
Up to 8 people
Guided tour, Entry tickets
Join an expert guide for a 2–2.5 hour semi-private tour of The Met and explore iconic artworks across centuries and cultures. Skip lines and focus on the highlights in a small group for a more personal experience.
Group size is limited to 8. This semi-private tour is not wheelchair accessible. Arrive 10 minutes early; large bags are not permitted and the security line cannot be bypassed.
What time should I arrive?
Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Are tickets included?
Yes, tickets for the permanent collection are included.
Can I reschedule my tour?
Yes, free if you notify at least 24 hours before the start time; a fee applies within 24 hours. If booked via a third party, reschedule with them.
What if I am running late?
Inform your guide as soon as possible. The semi-private tour starts on time; you may receive tickets to enter and try to join inside if possible.
Can I get my tickets before the tour and meet inside?
No. Meet at the designated meeting point and enter with the guide.
Can I stay after the tour?
Yes, you may remain in the museum until closing.
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour start time. No refunds within 24 hours. Contact by phone to cancel or reschedule; a reschedule fee may apply. No-shows and latecomers are charged in full. If booked through a third party, cancel or reschedule with them per their terms.
Travelers rave about the caliber of guides here, with names like Katherine, Mark, Jonathan, Jeff, and Robin repeatedly earning enthusiastic praise. What stands out most is how these guides balance deep art knowledge with genuine enthusiasm, making complex museum visits feel accessible and fun. Multiple reviewers mention guides tailoring tours to specific interests—whether that's introducing an 11-year-old to fine art or focusing on particular wings that matter most to visitors. Beyond the facts, guests appreciate the storytelling approach, with guides connecting present to past and pointing out hidden gems that would be easy to miss on your own. The personalized attention really shines through. Katherine gets special mention for helping guests navigate the subway and adjusting schedules, while others highlight how guides read the room and adapt pacing accordingly. People consistently note that guides are approachable and engaging rather than stuffy, sharing bonus tips about NYC food spots and entertainment. One minor note: a guest wished for slightly less time in Egypt and broader museum coverage, but they'd still book again in a heartbeat. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the Met's massive scale, these tours seem like the perfect way to make sense of it all.
We had the absolute privilege of taking a private tour of The Met with Katherine, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Katherine is a true connoisseur of art—deeply knowledgeable, eloquent, and passionate in a way that brings every piece to life. She thoughtfully curated our experience, weaving in fascinating insights while guiding us through hidden corners and masterpieces we would have surely overlooked on our own. What impressed me most was how attentive she was to our personal interests. She ensured we spent time in the wings that mattered most to me, while still surprising us with treasures and perspectives we never would have discovered without her. Katherine has that rare gift of making the museum feel both intimate and expansive—like walking with a friend who also happens to be an expert art historian. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the experience unforgettable. Meeting Katherine was a joy in itself, and her expertise turned our visit into something truly special. I left not only more informed, but more inspired. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Shauna Cassity
September 7, 2025
We had the absolute privilege of taking a private tour of The Met with Katherine, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Katherine is a true connoisseur of art—deeply knowledgeable, eloquent, and passionate in a way that brings every piece to life. She thoughtfully curated our experience, weaving in fascinating insights while guiding us through hidden corners and masterpieces we would have surely overlooked on our own. What impressed me most was how attentive she was to our personal interests. She ensured we spent time in the wings that mattered most to me, while still surprising us with treasures and perspectives we never would have discovered without her. Katherine has that rare gift of making the museum feel both intimate and expansive—like walking with a friend who also happens to be an expert art historian. Her warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the experience unforgettable. Meeting Katherine was a joy in itself, and her expertise turned our visit into something truly special. I left not only more informed, but more inspired. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Shauna Cassity
September 7, 2025