Status Symbols: See how New York’s Gilded Age elite used architecture, furnishings, portraits, and decorative arts to project refinement, authority, and social standing
The Art of Innovation: Explore how craftsmanship, technology, and artistic imagination combined to create some of the most iconic designs of the era
Dinner as a Power Play: Discover how a silver centerpiece could convey a family’s standing in society
Rooms Fit for a Rockefeller: See entire rooms and pieces of furniture taken straight from the homes of New York’s Gilded Age elite
Gain admission to the Met Museum: included with your tour ticket
The Gilded Age was more than an age of extraordinary wealth—it was an age of performance.
As industrial fortunes surged and America emerged as a global power, a new elite sought not only success but recognition. Magnates, financiers, and social leaders turned to art, architecture, and philanthropy to shape their public image and secure their place in history.
Within the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we encounter the visual legacy of this remarkable era. Portraits that project confidence and aspiration. Lavish interiors that reveal carefully orchestrated displays of taste. Decorative arts, paintings, and collectibles that tell a larger story about identity, influence, and the pursuit of cultural legitimacy.
The Metropolitan Museum itself stands as part of that story. Built through the vision, generosity, and ambition of many of America’s leading industrialists and collectors, the Met became a symbol of civic pride, cultural achievement, and enduring prestige.
This tour invites you to look beyond beauty alone and explore the fascinating relationship between art and power during one of the most transformative periods in American history.
100% refund up to 24 hours prior to the start of your tour.
When canceled less than 24 hours before the start of your tour, we will do our best to reschedule you or issue you a credit to use on any of our upcoming tours. This credit won’t expire until you use it!
Please meet your guide outside The Met’s street-level entrance, to the left of the main steps at 81st St and 5th Ave.
Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028
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Please arrive 10 minutes early.
By Subway: Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to 86th Street and walk three blocks west to Fifth Avenue.
By Bus: Take the M1, M2, M3, or M4 bus along Fifth Avenue (from uptown locations) to 82nd Street or along Madison Avenue (from downtown locations) to 83rd Street. Or take the M86 crosstown bus across Central Park to Fifth Avenue; or the M79 bus across Central Park to Fifth Avenue.
How long is the tour?
This tour is 2 hours long.
Where does it end?
It ends inside the Great Hall of the Met Museum.
How strenuous is this tour?
This tour is easy and most people can participate but does require being able to walk and stand for long periods of time.
Is this tour ADA accessible?
Yes, it is! You can email us at [email protected] in order for us to best prepare your visit.
Is this tour mostly indoors or outdoors?
This tour is mostly indoor.
