The Met: A History of a Museum and Its People

by Jonathan Conlin

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

440 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating and very information-dense look into The Met's storied history - we get to learn about all of the people through all of the decades of the Met's existence that shaped it into the institution it is today. For the Met's inception, the sheer number of rich people who decided to get together for art was incredible, but equally intriguing was the amount of pettiness that went along with it. I appreciated the author contrasting the idea of these oligarchs with the idea of them being generous benefactors. Keeping that balance is interesting and there were several Met contributors (most of them) who came by their money or their family’s money in despicable ways.

I learned so much through this book, but it is best served as a reference text rather than trying to read it all in one fell swoop. The information is broken up into different eras of the museum that often overlap, and the recent history is just as detailed as the past.

Thank you to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the advanced copy.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fascinating and rich read! The Met museum has always been one of my favorite places to lose myself in and now I don’t know how I will go back without spending days revisiting what I read about in Jonathan Conlan’s very well written, “The Met”. I highly encourage seasoned museum goers and newcomers to read this prior to or during your trip!

Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for my early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Met: A History of a Museum and Its People, by Jonathan Conlin, is an informative history that presents not simply a history of this iconic museum but also a nice overview of the positives and negatives of encyclopedic museums as a whole.

Like many other people who have visited the Met multiple times over the years, I have both a fascination with the objects and the history within the walls as well as problematic concerns about equity and fairness, both in the acquisition of the artifacts and in the people for whom the museum has de facto been intended for. This volume does not shy away from presenting multiple perspectives, which often means highlighting some less-than-ideal moments. While making a case for what museums like this can contribute to society, Conlin does so while acknowledging where changes still need to be made.

This is a history, not an art appreciation or art history book, so don't expect a picture book. The photographs here are meant to contribute to the telling of the history, not make the reader ponder the art. Like many books I read, I made use of the internet to take side trips, looking up movements and people mentioned in the book. If you want something more like a pop history book, you can do the same to look at pretty pictures. By all means, if that is what is important to you, do so. But that isn't what this history book is about, so don't hold it against the book for not being what it never set out to be.

Many people who have visited the Met will find the history interesting, though I suspect the many names and the usual internal politics (like any organization) may turn some people off. If you enjoy reading histories of organizations, this is a very readable volume that will make you see the museum differently the next time you visit. Those who study cultural and intellectual history will likely find plenty of overlap with other studies they have read.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this absolutely fascinating and incredibly detailed history of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Jonathan Conlin brings the institution’s history and its collections to life in this fantastic new title. From its founding through to its present position as one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world, he explores how it gained its collections and its current position, triumphs and failures included, and who helped shape this fascinating museum. In highlighting the institutional obstacles, inequalities, and difficulties, Conlin presents a balanced and complete history of the institution without totally condemning it in the face of its recent controversy. Excellently written and featuring a lot of fantastic images, this book really gives readers an understanding of how much work goes into organizing a premier cultural and historical collection like that of the Met. The fascinating stories of the collectors and organizers involved with the museum humanizes it and reveals the forgotten work that they put into this incredible building, breaking up the large-scale history otherwise featured in this title. With so much detail and absolutely fascinating insights into the Met, readers will love Conlin’s work and his exploration of this mammoth and unique collection of artifacts and art.

Thanks to NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the advance copy.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the busyness of modern life overtakes us, the perfect antidote is a visit to a place, such as the Met, that connects us to a wider world, to civilizations long gone. To their art and industry, culture and routines. We are part of a long timeline of human struggle but also beauty and accomplishment. Spending time at the Met might help us imagine what this museum might say about our era, and this provides a boost to make it something of which we can be proud.

How does an iconic institution such as the Met come into being? This book will cover that question. As with prior civilizations, it will explore the challenges and triumphs, the persons who led and collected and built, and the stunning achievement that is today’s met. This book is best savored by course, not consumed at once.

Many thanks to Columbia University Press and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

[Mariama Thorlu-Bangura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. While the history of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is quite interesting, it was not presented in a manner that held my attention. At times, it was dull and dry; at times, it was gossipy and judgy. And what really aggravated me was that most, if not all, images were in black and white!!! What good is that in a book about one of the most well-known museums on the East Coast, if not throughout the entire United States?! I got fed up and stopped reading, and just skimmed the second half of the book.
One truly has to be a diehard fan of the Met to read this and enjoy it. Otherwise, bypass this.

Thanks to NetGalley & Columbia University Press for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed, comprehensive and meticulously researched history of the Met – New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art – from its inception to the present-day. The challenges, the controversies, the people, the collection, the legacy, the influence and the politics – it’s all here, and it’s a fascinating read. It’s also a dense read, and not one to be tackled lightly. A bit-by-bit approach is probably best, otherwise it can all feel a bit overwhelming. There’s a lot to take in, and the writing is fairly dry and academic. Nevertheless, it’s an important book and a wonderful reference source, so pace yourself and enjoy the wealth of information it contains.

[costitanza (onetoomanybooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After just coming back from my trip to New York and absolutely loving the Met I couldn´t not read this beautiful book.
It´s so interesting to me as an architect, art lover, and tourist to read more about the history of this museum.
After having spent there two full days, rushing around and trying to see everything, and after having read this book, it´s fair to say that the museum is just an understatement.
The Met is a city, an emblem of culture and art, somewhere you can immerse yourself, where you can watch the past but also glimpse the future. It´s an experience.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Met is one of my favorites, and I'm a sucker for architectural explorations into old and reinvented buildings and their histories. For me this is a win/win complete with meaningful photographs that are appropriately interspersed throughout. I found this to be a great book for museum addicts (like me).
I requested and received a temporary electronic copy on Adobe Digital Editions from Columbia University Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Avail Oct 22, 2024 #MetropolitanMuseumOfArt #NYC

[Julia Shelburne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the Met’s origins, rise to a world-renowned institution, impact and controversies, and legacy for the future. An excellent read for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the museum. Each chapter delves into a specific topic related to the Met such as the evolution of the Met Gala and contributions of “ladies who lunch”; the organization of the book is clear.

Thank you NetGalley and Columbia University Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Leela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful retrospective of the Met. This book is best read in short spurts when you have a moment, rather than cover to cover in a sitting. I have fond memories of taking an art history course and learning about how art influences and reflects history, and reading this brought back many of those memories and feelings I associate with art.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be good for a student rather than myself. I personally was interested in the Met going into this book and looking forward to maybe understanding the development of the great Museum; however, there’s a wealth of information in this book that seemed to weigh it down. It was very fact heavy and read as such. Overall, not for me.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the arc!

[Claire Sylvestre · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Met by Jonathan Conlin is an in-depth story about this iconic museum and its people.
I was expecting more photographs and more colours however the story was very interesting and well researched.
My next visit at the museum will be more interesting because of newly acquired knowledge of its history.