NEW YORK, NY.- The Metropolitan Museum of Art continues its popular "Met Holiday Mondays" program by opening the doors of its main building to the public on Presidents' Day, February 16. (The next Met Holiday Monday will be Memorial Day, May 25.) Before the Met Holiday Mondays were initiated in 2003, the Museum was closed to the public every Monday for 30 years.

"The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the perfect destination for anyone who is in the City for the long holiday weekend," commented Emily K. Rafferty, President of the Metropolitan Museum. "There is plenty to see and do for visitors of all ages, from viewing masterpieces of art from around the world to taking part in a full roster of family activities. We extend a warm welcome on a cold day."

Presidents' Day Programming
Among the special exhibitions that will be on view on Presidents' Day, February 16, are: The Essential Art of African Textiles: Design Without End (through April 5); Raphael to Renoir: Drawings from the Collection of Jean Bonna (through April 26); and Pierre Bonnard: The Late Interiors (through April 19). The Metropolitan's public cafeteria, Balcony Café, and the Petrie Court Café and Wine Bar will also be open, as well as several of the Museum's gift shops in the main building.

For children ages 5 through 12 and accompanying adults, hour-long art adventures that involve sketching and stimulating discussion will meet in Carson Family Hall in the New Uris Center for Education, beginning at 11 a.m., noon, 1:15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.

Families wishing to explore the Museum at their own pace may pick up printed family guides and hunts—on themes as varied as Let's Look at Arms and Armor (available in English and Spanish), My Met Masterpiece—Warm Up to Winter!, Shall We Dance?, Think Sphinx, and Once Upon a Time in Rome (English only)—at the Information Desks. A colorful new Family Map and Poster has been added to the list of printed guides.

Family greeters will be present in the Museum's Great Hall to direct visitors to areas of particular interest. All family programs are free with Museum admission.