In formation since 1870,
the Metropolitan Museum's collection now contains more than two million works of
art from all aournd the world, ancient through modern times. About 6,500
objects—highlights from each of the Museum's curatorial departments as well as
the entire Department of European Paintings and the entire Department of
American Paintings and Sculpture—can be accessed online.
The ultimate purpose of the Museum is to acquire the best modern works of art. The collection is comprehensive; included are architecture and design, films and media, drawings, photographs, painting and sculpture, and prints and illustrated books.