Slowly but surely New York is coming back to life. With many of the world famous galleries opening their doors, we knew it was time we stepped back into the world of art, history and cherished New York landmarks. This week we found ourselves lost in an old favourite, The Met Museum.

Every time you visit The Met you discover something new, something that captures the senses and the imagination. This time however, unlike any other time we have visited before, the museum was blissfully almost empty. With crowds taking their time to return to the museums, we were not in the least bit disappointed since the vaulted halls and magical galleries were ours to explore freely. It truly felt like a private tour.

Normally fit to burst, The Mary and Michael Jaharis Gallery of Archaic and Classical Greek Art was ours alone to enjoy. Without the constant jostling for a glimpse at the many sculptures and artworks from sixth, fifth and fourth centuries B.C. Greece, we had the opportunity to take time to marvel at the space.

The grand vaulted gallery is magnificent, sprinkled with ornate, graceful and monumental sculptures.

Beyond this space lies The Leon Levy and Shelby White Court, evoking the grandeur of ancient Rome and home to sculptures created under Roman patronage, inspired by models from both Classical Greece and the Hellenistic kingdoms.

In one of the little side galleries we came across these beautiful Roman murals.

We were captured by the hot and bright colours of these frescoes. Looking at these wall paintings, you are transported. These scenes evoke the essence we try to create when we adorn a room with alluring scenes and magical pictorial patterns.

Another favourite from the day were the rooms of the French Decorative arts period. We loved getting up close and personal with an ornate panelled room from Hotel de Crillon in Paris, with its heavy drapery and gilded details.

Just imagine the hotel guests of ages past, I love the idea of sitting down for breakfast in this majestic suite.

We later found ourselves in a virtually empty Sackler Wing home to the Temple of Denter.

Again, to be freely walking in this space and spending quality time with intricate artefacts and monumental Sarcophagi in the galleries that preceded Sackler Wing was truly magical.

Our favourite area by far was the Art of Native American exhibit. This landmark exhibition in the Museum’s American Wing showcases 116 masterworks representing the intricate and historical work of artists from more than fifty cultures across North America.

We were most inspired by the ornate and beautiful beadwork seen in the historical dress and decorative bags.

The collection of these works were predominantly created between the 18th and 20th centuries, against the backdrop of Euro-American contact and colonialism. Together, they reveal the complexity, vibrancy and evolution of Native art. The collection offers an expanse of narratives of North America’s past that resonate today. I have always been inspired by Native American culture so this truly was a treat in the myriad of joys that was our day at The Met Museum.

There is no better time to explore this iconic museum paired with a visit to The Whitby Hotel, just a 30 minute walk away through Central Park.