Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between the images of the buddhas and bodhisattvas? Or, what does it mean that there are so many identities of buddhas and bodhisattvas in the first place? Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Maitreya Buddha to name a few, and if we include bodhisattvas, the list is extensive. Buddhist art is built on this expansive pantheon.

The permanent collection of Buddhist art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art offers an opportunity to learn some key iconographic differences of the buddhas and bodhisattvas from different time periods and regions, and to consider how such diversity reflects Buddhist teachings and cultural backgrounds. Our tour aims to exchange views and ideas how artworks may help us to understand Buddhism, its practices, and our lives.

We will meet at the Asian Art Collection Gallery, on the second floor of the Museum just above the Great Hall, at 1:45pm to begin our tour. We will likely end before 4:00 pm, so there will be time to continue enjoying the museum on your own if you like.

Admission to the Met is “pay what you wish” for NY residents and for students from NY, NJ, and CT. Otherwise, admission is $30 for adults; $22 for seniors; and $17 for students.

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Donations are appreciated to help support our efforts during this time.