Apply to the Copyist Program today! The Met's Copyist Program is the longest-running program at the Museum, originating in 1872, only two years after the Museum first opened its doors. This year, set up your studio at The Met Cloisters. Applications are due Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:59 pm... ET. Learn more:show more

A 154-year-old program preserving a powerful way to learn: copying before the original turns close looking into a discipline. Proportion, color, and technique reveal themselves differently than in reproductions.

Artists have always learned by copying. The Met simply provides better lighting and much more intimidating walls.

do we get to paint the unicorn tapestries or is that a hard no

The object earns a second look because its practical details reveal more than a broad period label can.

applied last year and got waitlisted. still dreaming about painting in that courtyard light