April 13, 1870
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is founded in New York City.
New York, United States | Metropolitan Museum of Art
On April 13, 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art was officially founded in New York City, marking a significant development in the cultural landscape of the United States. Established with the aim of bringing art and education to the American public, the museum originated from the aspirations of its founders to cultivate an appreciation for art and to provide access to artworks of historical, cultural, and artistic significance.
Prior to the 19th century, the United States had few art institutions compared to Europe, where public museums were more prevalent. The idea for The Met (as it is commonly known) emerged during a period when there was a growing desire in America to enhance cultural and intellectual growth. In 1866, a group of Americans, including lawyer John Jay and businessman Rutherfurd Stuyvesant, met in Paris and advocated for the establishment of a national institution of art.
Their vision was to create a museum that would stand as an educational resource for the American people, akin to the libraries and universities that were already transforming the American intellectual landscape.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, with its founding trustees comprising businessmen, artists, philanthropists, and civic leaders. Its mission was outlined comprehensively: “to be located in the City of New York, for the purpose of establishing and maintaining in said city a Museum and library of art, of encouraging and developing the study of the fine arts, and the application of arts to manufacture and practical life, of advancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects, and, to that end, of furnishing popular instruction.”
The museum’s initial collection consisted of a Roman sarcophagus and 174 paintings, sourced from European markets, acquisitions indicating the institution’s aim to prioritize both historical artifacts and contemporary artworks.
The founding of The Metropolitan Museum of Art was a landmark event that contributed to the transformation of New York City into a cultural capital. It helped set the precedent for a myriad of other museums and cultural institutions across America, fostering cultural appreciation and education across the nation.
Over the years, The Met has expanded significantly, growing both its collections and its physical structures. Today, it continues to be a vital educational resource, inviting millions of visitors annually to explore its vast treasures, which span thousands of years and numerous cultures globally.
The development of The Metropolitan Museum of Art has had lasting impacts on American cultural and educational spheres. It not only serves as a repository of some of the world’s most valuable artworks but also as a center for preservation, research, and scholarly study.
As one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, The Met stands today as a testament to the vision of its founders and remains committed to its mission of bringing art and culture to the wider public. Its ongoing expansion and programming speak to its enduring relevance and influence in the global art world.
Source: www.metmuseum.org