Magpie
4.8(548 reviews)

Twisted Met: Scandals & Secrets Tour

From$55
2 hours
New York City, USA

About this activity

Delve into the Metropolitan Museum's intriguing past on a 2-hour guided tour, uncovering hidden scandals and secrets behind its masterpieces.

Highlights

  • Explore the Met's hidden scandals
  • Discover secret masterpieces
  • Learn about art thefts and controversies
  • Uncover the museum's mysterious past
  • Engage with expert guides

Full description

Step into the shadows of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and uncover its most intriguing secrets. This 2-hour guided tour takes you beyond the usual exhibits, revealing tales of art thefts, controversies, and the museum's mysterious past. Led by expert guides, you'll explore lesser-known masterpieces and hear stories that have been hidden from the public eye. Perfect for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this tour offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most renowned institutions. Don't miss out on this captivating journey through the Met's twisted history.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided 2-hour tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Expert insights into the museum's hidden stories
  • Access to lesser-known masterpieces and artifacts
  • Food and beverages

Itinerary

1

Our tour starts in Ancient Egypt, beholding perfectly preserved ancient Egyptian tomb models. See tiny dioramas that show what life was like in the times of Tutankhamen and learn about the fascinating burial rituals of the era. You’ll understand a little more of this at our next stop, Egyptian mummies and “William,” the Met’s “mascot.” Next, onto a prize jewel of the Met Museum, the Temple of Dendur, an Ancient Egyptian Temple right smack in the middle of Central Park. More rumors abound at two of the next pieces we see – the armor of Britain’s infamous King Henry VIII, and the Antioch Chalice, purported by some as, ‘The Holy Grail.” We’ll see more ancient works of Greek statuary and Roman frescoes before moving to the exotic, with a stop in Papua New Guinea. We’ll then head to the second floor to soak in some of Claude Monet’s famous Water Lillies, be energized by the expressive works of Vincent Van Gogh, and be inspired by a bronze of Rodin’s Thinker.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
2

Pass by: Temple of Dendur

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: The American Wing

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: Central Park (view)

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: 5th Ave, New York, NY

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111, USA

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; please inform the provider in advance.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves extensive walking.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain areas; please follow the guide's instructions.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and receive your tour materials.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • The Met is fully wheelchair accessible. However, if you cannot climb the stairs of the central entrance to reach the meeting point, there is a ground level entrance one block south, near the intersection of 81st street and 5th avenue. Tell the desk you need to use the elevator to meet a group in the main lobby (at the pharaoh statue), which will then secure your entrance ticket. They will provide you with a temporary pass and help direct you upstairs.
  • This tour is in English.
  • Galleries and artwork visited during this tour are subject to closure and absences without prior notice. Your guide may need to modify to account for these events on the day of the tour.
  • Walks/Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to US government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Traveler reviews

4.8
548 reviews
5
498
4
25
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10
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13

Not skip the line and poor communication

We bought skip the line tickets for the MET. We were told to meet inside at the lobby. There’s a huge line to get into the lobby. We arrived 15 minutes early but cooks t get inside on time and missed the tour. These are not skip the line tickets. We tried to contact the tour leader and received no response.

Katherine_RMay 25, 2026VIATOR

Excellent tour guide and tour. Would use again

Excellent for all ages. Kevin was knowledgeable, funny and flexible. We loved it! Would recommend to all ages.

Ira_OMay 24, 2026VIATOR

MET tour

Rob was fabulous!!! Very informative and friendly. Truly enjoyed.

johncB6843HPMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Ryan was amazing! So...

Ryan was amazing! So helpful and informative. My husband is not big on art or museums, but he even admits the tour was incredibly interesting. Ryan made sure to answer all of our questions and kept the kids on our tour involved. Would highly recommend for anyone’s first time at the Met.

Cristina_SMay 24, 2026VIATOR

Great tour for this first time Met visitor

Cherie was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and friendly. She provided a great overview of the entire museum in two hours. This was very helpful since we were not familiar with the massive collection. She showed us many highlights that we might have missed.

Scott_RMay 23, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

The Met is fully wheelchair accessible. However, if you cannot climb the stairs of the central entrance to reach the meeting point, there is a ground level entrance one block south, near the intersection of 81st street and 5th avenue. Tell the desk you need to use the elevator to meet a group in the main lobby (at the pharaoh statue), which will then secure your entrance ticket. They will provide you with a temporary pass and help direct you upstairs. This tour is in English. Galleries and artwork visited during this tour are subject to closure and absences without prior notice. Your guide may need to modify to account for these events on the day of the tour. Walks/Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to US government guidelines for the most up to date information. This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
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