Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, set into Central Park. Tues-Thurs & Sun 9.30am-5.15pm, Fri & Sat 9.30am-8.45pm; suggested donation $10, students $5 (includes admission to the Cloisters on the same day); recorded "acoustiguide" tours of the major collections $5; free conducted tours, "Highlights of the Met," daily; also highly detailed tours of specific galleries; several restaurants and excellent book and gift shops; tel 212/879-5500 or 535-7710 for recorded information. #4, #5 or #6 train to 86th St-Lexington Ave