Viator · Private tour

Private Art and Crime Tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

4.7(3)New York City1 hour
VIATOR4.5(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(1)

Description

The world of art crime is both fascinating and diverse. During this private tour, you will learn about various art crimes that happened inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art or connected to artworks from its collection, from the looting of antiquities to Nazi theft and the seizure of paintings right off museum walls. This is a one-of-a-kind tour that reveals the unknown history of the well-known museum institution.

Tour Options

Private Art and Crime Tour at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Itinerary

120 min

During our tour, we will look at the museum's "questionable" holdings (the works of art in the Met's collection that some experts think might be inauthentic). We also explore authentic works by the world's most "faked" artists, including Rembrandt and Vincent van Gogh. We will discuss how some fake objects previously entered the museum and what methods are used to determine whether a work of art is authentic or a forgery. You will hear stories of how stolen or looted works were returned to the museum or their rightful owners.

Highlights

Entrance Fees
Duration 2.5 Hours
Professional Tour Guide (art historian)

What's included

Included
Entrance Fees
Duration 2.5 Hours
Professional Tour Guide (art historian)
Not included
Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off
Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Traveller Ratings

4.7
3 reviews
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(3)

J
Joslynn_J
November 10, 2025
Fun and educational - very unique!

Excellent tour of the Met, with a unique emphasis on the complex world of art crime, looted art and repatriation, and how museums acquire and manage their collections! Our group learned a ton, and had a great time with Olga - she was an excellent guide and extremely knowledgeable. She also gave recommendations for other art happenings around the city while we were in town, which was a great bonus! Would definitely recommend for adults (or older/high school kids) with an interest in art history.

S
Susan_H
May 13, 2025
Lots to learn

Olga was very knowledgeable about the art and history of the Met and had lots of insight. She was difficult to to hear many times though, combined with her accent made it difficult to absorb all that was said.

6
604serhiiz
August 7, 2023
Great and unusual experience!

An unusual way to explore the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While you enjoy beautiful art, you learn many fascinating stories about these artworks. One of the most unique experiences I have had on a city tour! I loved it and recommended it to those who want to learn how museums operate behind the scene.