Catch the MET Rooftop Before It Closes Until 2030
Calling all New Yorkers, art lovers, and skyline seekers! It is already October, and time is running out—the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden is closing its doors for major renovations, and it won’t reopen until 2030. That’s right, it’s nearly five years without the stunning views, sparkling cocktails, and one-of-a-kind art installations that have made this rooftop a must-visit summer and fall destination.
But before the terrace goes dark on October 19, 2025, there’s one final act you won’t want to miss. This year’s installation, “Ensemble” by Cincinnati-born artist Jennie C. Jones, is a mesmerizing trio of monumental sculptures inspired by string instruments. A trapezoidal zither, a towering Aeolian harp, and a doubled one-string sculpture interact with the wind in a performance that’s all about tension and potential—the sculptures only produce sound when activated by the breeze. The interplay of maroon-red planes and taut lines is breathtaking against the backdrop of Central Park and the NYC skyline.
Since the 1980s, the Met has invited contemporary artists to transform the Cantor Roof Garden into a living gallery, making it one of the city’s most unique cultural experiences. And beyond the art, the rooftop is an unforgettable social spot. The Roof Garden Bar serves cocktails and snacks as the sun sets, turning golden-hour Fridays and Saturdays into a magical escape high above the city streets.
Why the sudden goodbye? The museum is breaking ground on the $500 million Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Wing, a five-story expansion designed by Frida Escobedo. When it opens in 2030, the Cantor Roof Garden will return bigger than ever, expanding from 7,500 to 10,000 square feet, alongside 126,000 square feet of modern and contemporary art galleries and terraces with Central Park views. But until then, this is your last chance to experience the current rooftop charm.
Tips for Your Visit:
Plan a Friday or Saturday evening to enjoy extended hours until 9 PM.
Bring friends and soak in the art, the views, and the wind-activated symphony of Jones’s sculptures.
Admission to the rooftop is included with museum entry and is pay-what-you-wish for NY, NJ, and CT residents.
The rooftop is weather-dependent and first-come, first-served, so get there early!
📍 Location: Cantor Roof Garden, 5th Floor, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
🕚 Hours: Sunday–Tuesday & Thursday: 11:00 AM–4:15 PM | Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–8:15 PM
