From its museums and theaters to the architecture of its buildings, the city of New York is an unmissable cultural destination for travelers interested in the arts. The city's many cultural attractions could fill entire books, but two examples -- the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and St. Patrick's Cathedral -- exemplify the role that art and architecture have played in the development of city life in New York. Both are open to visitors during scheduled hours.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
- The Catholic archbishop of New York laid the cornerstone for St. Patrick's Cathedral in 1858, with funds from thousands of Catholic immigrants to the city and several prominent Catholic New Yorkers. The grand gothic building was designed by James Renwick to -- in the words of the archbishop -- be "worthy of [the] increasing numbers, intelligence, and wealth [of the Catholic] community, and at all events, worthy as a public architectural monument, of the present and prospective crowns of this metropolis of the American continent." St. Patrick's Cathedral opened its door in 1879, and today functions as the seat of the archbishop of New York and the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States.
Visiting the Cathedral
- In the 19th century, the area where St. Patrick's Cathedral stands today was a forested area outside the city. As New York grew, the cathedral was surrounded with skyscrapers and modernist buildings, making its ornate gothic architecture even more captivating on a walk up Madison Avenue. You can schedule a free guided tour for groups of 10 or more by contacting the cathedral office, or walk in any day when a tour already is scheduled. The church is open every day for self-guided tours -- just remember to be respectful of scheduled masses or prayers. Some of the architectural highlights of the building include the baptistery designed by John LaFarge, the large stained-glass windows of the Lady Chapel, and the huge bronze doors facing 5th Avenue. The 9,000-pound doors include carvings of saints such as New York's Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first U.S.-born saint.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the western hemisphere, featuring collections of everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to works by modern masters including Matisse and Pollock. The museum's huge main building on 5th Avenue and 82nd Street is a marvel in itself, continuously expanded since the museum's incorporation in 1870, and including work by architects such as Calvert Vaux and Morris Hunt. The Met's collection of medieval art is housed in the Cloisters building in upper Manhattan, a building designed to look like a medieval monastery.
Visiting the Museum
- Given the size of the Met's collection, a visit to the museum could take an entire trip -- and even then, you wouldn't have time to see everything. The museum is open all day, seven days a week, and suggests a recommended admission fee to cover operating costs -- although you can pay less or nothing if you choose. The daily pass includes admission to the main building and the cloisters in the same day. To get the most of your visit, arrive early as the museum is opening and less crowded. The Museum Highlights Tour is offered every day and can be a good way to get a taste of the collection if you don't have much time to spend at the Met. Alternatively, pick a few collections or exhibits you are especially interested in to avoid being overwhelmed by the collection.
