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What makes a museum a world treasure, and what does a museum say about its city? In the first lecture of this four-part series, art historian Matthew Palczynski examines The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Explore highlights of the collection and consider how the museum’s architecture relates to New York City — reminding us why the United States is one of the greatest places in the world for experiencing art.

General Notes

This lecture is the first in a series of four lectures. To attend the full series, please also enroll in "Iconic American Museums — The National Gallery of Art" (#25702) scheduled on Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), "Iconic American Museums — The Art Institute of Chicago" (#25703) on Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), and "Iconic American Museums — The J. Paul Getty Museum" (#25704) on Tuesday, Apr. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT). The cost is $25 per lecture. Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.

Featured Expert

Matthew Palczynski

Matthew Palczynski is an art history lecturer, consultant, curator, and educator. With a Ph.D. in art history and a focus on vanguard art after around 1850, he leads programs for academic, corporate, and nonprofit organizations around the world. His talks include those for Renaissance Weekend, Stanford University, The Wharton School, Cunard, and United Airlines. Matt is an adjunct senior instructor at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and has taught at the Tyler School of Art since 2004.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Date and Time

Join us on Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), for a one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.