The Metropolitan Roof Garden Opens for the Summer

Gothamist was at a party a while back, having a discussion about an exhibit at the Met. We were happily sputtering along, amazed at the random facts that seemed to have been lying dormant in our brains since our long ago freshman art appreciation seminar, when a very perky stranger joined in our conversation. This bouncy individual, who shall remain unnamed, gave us an unsolicited pat and exclaimed "I just love the Met, I mean where else would I find a clean bathroom in Central Park?"

This made us very very sad. And forced us to fight a nearly uncontrollable desire to "accidently" spill our drink on her. We hate having to fight our desires, so we are very happy to announce that, as of today, the Met is no longer just the park's largest public restroom.

It's also a damn good place to get a drink.

That's right, the sun's out, the birds are singing, and the Met's roof garden will soon be open again! For those of you who have never been, the museum's rooftop garden offers one of the best views of the park and its surroundings, and, in good weather, provides a perfect place for relaxing in the sun, surrounded by great art and, sometimes more importantly, mixed drinks.

This year, the roof will be featuring a number of works by legendary Conceptual artist Sol LeWitt. We're not quite sure yet what we think of the curvilinear painted fiberglass sculptures, but we do like how they echo the city skyline and the natural landscape of the park. The wall drawing looks interesting, and we're excited to see how everything comes together in person. If nothing else, we're sure that the works' vibrant colors will create quite a visual spectacle, especially in the already dramatic rooftop setting.

The roof will be open from 10am until closing Tuesdays through Sundays, although we recommend going on Friday and Saturday evenings when the museum is open later.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Branwen Buckley in Arts & Entertainment on April 26, 2005 12:09 PM

Comments [rss]

evamn

Perhaps the roof could be a new home for 'Arty' the cow?

http://www.reuters.com/newsPhotoPresentation.jhtml?type=topNews&imageID=1001847283

sheila

Met's Roof Exhibition

chris m

I love the Met rooftop, and it's a great place to wow the out-of-town guests. But last summer it was almost unbearable. The giant rock-hut sculptures took up way too much of the scant space, though that shouldn't be a problem with the smaller new art. But the bars! Had to be among the most slow and incompetent staff in town, and that's saying something. You had to get in line immediately, because you would only have one chance to cycle through before closing (even with the new second bar). The wine was sub-Franzia, and the mixed drinks little better than slushy water. Get in early and get beers, as many as you can, then camp out and fortify a space by the edge. Best would be to go during weekday afternoon.