You can’t visit New York without going into the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The architecture alone is something to see.

A school orchestra serenaded us on the balcony above the large lobby. Going up the stairs, we walked quickly through the Greek and Roman art to get to the Impressionist paintings. Rooms filled with glorious paintings of my favorites – Monet, Cezanne, Pissarro, Renoir delighted my visual senses!

“Can we go now?” she said.

“What? Don’t you see these famous paintings? Aren’t they beautiful?” I begged her to give it a chance, but she reminded me that I promised her the trip wouldn’t be full of museums.

I did get to peek into some of the French Decorative Arts rooms when I pretended to get lost finding the main exit.

How could you not love the Met?

Well, if you find yourself in the situation I was in, I get it. That’s why I love the admission price – suggested donations. The recommended donation price is $25, but I found that a bit steep when I had an inkling we wouldn’t be in the museum more than 45 minutes. At the ticket counter, you just pay what you feel you should. If I were there by myself and had unlimited time, then $25 is realistic. But if you’re just going in there for a few minutes, then $10 or $15 may be more suitable. It’s completely up to you.

For more information see the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.