By Linda Seigelman
As New York City restaurants, attractions, and institutions reopened, I found one of the places I was most looking forward to visiting was The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Teeming with masterpieces and housing great works of art from just about every culture in the world, The Met is a balm for the soul. It is a truly remarkable place at any time, but now even more so as it is hosting a fantastic exhibition of the American artist Alice Neel (1900–1984).
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Alice Neel: People Come First is the first major retrospective in New York of Alice Neel in twenty years. In close to 100 paintings, drawings and watercolors, The Met highlights Neel’s humanist point of view and the intense eye she brought to people in all walks of life. From victims of the Great Depression to the melting pot of post-war New York City, Alice Neel captured remarkable slices of life, up close and personal. “For me, people come first,” she declared in 1950. “I have tried to assert the dignity and eternal importance of the human being.” Alice Neel was a champion of social justice in her art and her life; this exhibition of her work is a particularly timely one.
The Museum has reduced hours and is currently open Thursday to Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Advance tickets and reservations are required, as are masks and social distancing. Check www.metmuseum.org for the latest updates.
Alice Neel: People Come First runs until August 1. Escape the summer heat and spend a few special hours at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Alice Neel.
WHERE TO EAT AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
There are many dining choices in the area, especially along Madison Avenue, as well as a number within the Museum itself. At publication, two of The Met’s five restaurants were open, but check the website for the latest openings and information.
American Wing Café, 1st Floor at the Charles Engelhard Court – located in the center court of the American Wing, a light-filled atrium overlooking Central Park, daily selection of freshly-prepared snacks, sandwiches, and irresistible desserts, an inviting spot for a quick coffee or break while contemplating the nearby stained glass.
The Eatery, Ground Floor – recently redone, a casual culinary marketplace with locally-sourced ingredients, freshly-made sandwiches, salads and seasonal dishes, kid-friendly options, drinks, and desserts; it has something for everyone.