The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden

I have visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art a couple of times but somehow never realized they had a roof garden/​bar. A friend who used to live in NYC recommended checking it out on our next visit so of course we had to find time in our agenda. It was a gorgeous day and we were sight-​seeing with friends so weren’t planning to spend a lot of time in the museum. It’s important to point out that you must make a donation to enter the museum and that is the only way to access the roof top but it’s worth it. You can donate as little or as much as you like and it’s for a very good cause after all.
We had a little difficulty finding the correct elevator to access the roof but the museum staff were very helpful in directing us. Once we stepped on to the roof it was well worth our effort to get there. The view of the city and Central Park is spectacular! They have a good bit of seating around the perimeter and there were three mobile bars offering cocktails, wine and beer. The prices were not terrible considering and we took some amazing photos. They also have a rotating exhibit on the roof which, during our visit, was a replica of the Alfred Hitchcock Psycho house… very cool to see. Highly recommend adding this to your NYC bucket list!

I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art to check out their latest exhibit «Big Bambú» and decided to chill for a bit at The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden with the wife. It’s located on the Fifth Floor of The Met. The Roof Garden is a great place to relax and sit down for afternoon mojitos. They also have tasty Turkey & Brie Cheese Sandwiches and ice cream available for purchase if you’re in the mood. A lot of people like to come out here and admire the great view Central Park along with the NYC skyline, while others just sit, relax, and enjoy their time around the museum.

The views from the roof garden are spectacular. The drinks were a little pricey but were good. I had a sandwich which was also very good but the only place to sit and eat were on benches. Overall a nice experience but a few tables or even a counter to put your food on would be nice.

One of Manhattan’s great little-​known drinking spots, this sculpture-​littered terrace offers an unsurpassed view of Central Park. The bar is really just a concession stand that serves alcohol, from mixed drinks and daiquiris to margaritas and mojitos, as well as sandwiches and desserts, like brownies. Shady spots underneath the wisteria-​laced trellis are highly prized and competitively guarded. Head to the west side, and you’ll see Cleopatra’s Needle as only the people who have to clean it normally do. And, if so inclined, you can explore the roof garden’s best secret (that only Met employees seem to know): This is one of the finest pick-​up spots in Manhattan. The roof garden is accessible only by the southwest elevators on the ground floor, just outside the twentieth-​century art gallery. Skip the big marble stairs at the pay entrance and go straight back all the way west and hang a left.