Exhibits for Kids at the Met Museum in New York City

The Met has an incredible collection of art, archeology, history, as well as many special exhibits going on at any given time. For children, the museum can be a fascinating trip into ancient times, or a visit to later historical periods. Of course there are endless art exhibits, but these need to be limited for children 12 and under. Those children will enjoy more concrete examples of art as in Egyptian sculptures or Historical Period rooms. They may also enjoy seeing the armor rooms.

I am going to focus on the Ancient Egypt exhibits, which are a big hit with kids, especially if you know what to look for.

When you come into the museum, turn right, check your coat and pay your suggested admission fee. Then walk into the Ancient Egypt exhibits. The first thing you will see is a small ancient Egyptian structure which you can walk through and see glass cases of tiny Egyptian artifacts inside, as well as hieroglyphics. It's a lot of fun for kids to walk through here and come out a different exit. Whichever way you come out go back to the left side of where you walked in where you will see wooden panels of wax painted portraits as well as a large sarcophagus with a painted portrait. Keep walking down the hall and you will see some giant sculptures that will amaze your kids. On the right of the hall there are many exhibits with tons of small and tiny Egyptian artifacts. Tiny animals, scarabs, jewelry, people. Your kids will never believe someone could make that stuff. Don't overdo this area though, since there's a lot more to see. Other exhibits are sarcophagi and all their contents, and a lot of information about mummies.

Find your way to the room which has what looks like toy boats with toy people in them, in a glass case. These are models taken from tombs. They showed various "life scenes, with much artistic detail. On the other side of the room are small cases lined up on the floor level. They are models all taken from the same tomb. They depict scenes of daily life, there's a bakery/brew house, garden,slaughterhouse and granary. The granary contains ancient wheat grains which are clearly visible spread on the granary floor. This will certainly fascinate your children. Don't be put off by the slaughterhouse, it's done in little wood models, not gory, but it does show the animals tied up. The exhibit is a wonderful chance to get a glimpse into ancient Egyptian society. If you cannot find the ship model room just ask a guide, they will know.

Then on to the Temple of Dendur, a small ancient temple surrounded by a fabricated moat. I can't imagine how your kids could get any closer to ancient Egyptian history than that temple.The room is huge and it's a nice place to take a break (not eating though). There are also some huge statues that are very interesting too, they are near the entrance.

I have visited the Met many times with my daughter, we both love the Egyptian wing and never tire of the exhibits. I am sure your kids will love it too and want to go back again and again.