Met Museum Bag Policy: Luggage Storage, Lockers, and Bag Rules at The Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of the world’s most famous museums, located in New York City. It features an extensive collection spanning over 5,000 years of art from cultures around the world. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and historical artifacts from across the globe. If you need a place to store larger belongings before your visit, there is a nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art storage point available to make your experience more comfortable.

The Met offers numerous exhibits and collections, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European masterpieces and modern art. Visitors can see iconic works by artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet. The museum also has themed exhibitions, interactive spaces, and guided tours to enhance the visitor experience. The stunning architecture of the museum itself adds to the experience. However, the Cantor Roof Garden is currently closed for renovation as part of the development of the new Tang Wing. An expanded roof garden and new outdoor spaces are expected to open with the wing in 2030.

Met Museum Bag Policy

Types of Bags Allowed

Small bags and purses are allowed inside the museum. Small backpacks are permitted but must be worn on the front or carried in your hand to avoid accidental contact with artwork.

All visitors and their belongings are subject to security screening when entering the museum. Bags containing essential medical items or baby care supplies may also be brought in, subject to the museum’s general security rules.

There is no clear-bag requirement at The Met.

Types of Bags Not Allowed

Large bags, luggage, musical instruments, and oversized camera equipment are not allowed inside the museum or at the coat check. Visitors should therefore avoid arriving with suitcases, large travel bags, or other bulky belongings.

Other prohibited items include weapons, hazardous materials, glass containers, aerosol cans, large recreational equipment, and objects that museum security considers a potential risk to the art or other visitors.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Luggage Storage

The Met has coat-check facilities for permitted belongings such as coats, but the coat check should not be considered a luggage-storage service. Large bags and luggage are not allowed in the museum or at the coat check, so visitors carrying suitcases or other oversized items should arrange off-site storage before arriving.

There are no general public self-service luggage lockers inside The Met.

However, visitors using the Thomas J. Watson Library have access to dedicated library lockers. Researchers must store coats and heavy outerwear, as well as bags and laptop or tablet sleeves larger than 8.5" x 11" x 2.5", in a library locker or at the museum coat check when appropriate.

The current Watson Library lockers are approximately 12 inches wide, with heights ranging from 12 to 24 inches and depths of about 15 to 16 inches. If an eligible item does not fit in a library locker, visitors should ask staff about the museum coat check. Library lockers cannot be used overnight.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Transportation

Visitors can reach The Met by multiple transportation options. The subway is one of the easiest ways to get there. The 4, 5, and 6 trains stop at 86th Street, followed by a walk of about three blocks west to Fifth Avenue. The walk is roughly half a mile and takes around 10 minutes.

Buses also provide easy access. From the East Side, the M1, M2, M3, and M4 run along Fifth Avenue from uptown locations to 82nd Street and along Madison Avenue from downtown locations to 83rd Street.

Visitors coming from the West Side can take the 1 train to 86th Street and transfer to the M86 crosstown bus, or take the C train to 81st Street and transfer to the M79 bus across Central Park.

For those traveling by car, The Met has a parking garage entrance at Fifth Avenue and 80th Street, although parking availability can be limited. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also a convenient way to reach the museum.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Camera Policy

Visitors can take non-flash photos and videos for private, non-commercial use, unless otherwise indicated. Hand-held cameras and personal mobile devices may be used without flash.

Some artworks and galleries have specific restrictions. Photography and video are prohibited where signs indicate that recording is not allowed, and individual loaned works may also have restrictions. Always follow posted signs and instructions from museum staff.

Unauthorized staged photoshoots, including modeling, engagement, and other organized photo or film shoots, are not allowed.

Selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, drones, and professional video equipment are prohibited unless arrangements have been made and approved in advance by The Met’s Communications Department. Large camera equipment also cannot be stored at the museum coat check.

Metropolitan Museum of Art Food Policy

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum, except when required for medical reasons. However, water in a secure bottle is permitted.

Food and drinks other than water cannot be consumed in the galleries. Plastic baby bottles are allowed, although eating and drinking are still restricted in gallery spaces.

The Met offers several dining options for visitors, including The Eatery and other cafes and restaurants within the museum.

Glass containers, jars, aerosol cans, and liquids other than permitted water are prohibited.

Other Metropolitan Museum of Art Rules & Information

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the museum or near its entrances.

Visitors should maintain a respectful environment in the galleries and follow instructions from museum staff. Phone use should not disturb other visitors.

Running and touching artworks are prohibited. Guests should keep a respectful distance from artworks, frames, platforms, labels, display cases, and other protective structures.

Only pencils may be used for ordinary writing, note-taking, or sketching in the galleries. Pens, markers, paint, charcoal, and similar materials are restricted under the museum’s current visitor guidelines.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Visitors can also leave the museum and return on the same day. A valid ticket provides same-day re-entry to both Met locations for the date shown on the ticket.

Tips for Visitors

Check the official Metropolitan Museum of Art website before your visit. The site has current information about tickets, hours, gallery closures, exhibitions, and special events.

There is no clear-bag policy at The Met, so bringing a transparent bag is not necessary. Instead, travel light and use a small bag or backpack. Remember that small backpacks must be worn on the front or carried in your hand while inside the museum.

Leave large bags and luggage at home or use a storage service before visiting. Storage costs US$7.39 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of US$1,000. The Met does not allow large bags or luggage inside the building or at its coat check.