Pardon me while I digress from the past summer into the now: a bit ago on Wednesday night this week, the Metropolitan of Art opened its doors to the college students of New York City and welcomed them with by throwing a Great Gatsby themed party for the opening of their newly renovated American Wing. I, of course, had to attend.

A group outside the doors, waiting for the event to open at 7pm.

“By seven o’clock the orchestra has arrived, no thin five-piece affair, but a whole pitful of oboes and trombones and saxophones and viols and cornets and piccolos, and low and high drums…. Already the halls and salons and verandas are gaudy with primary colors, and hair bobbed in strange new ways, and shawls beyond the dreams of Castile. The bar is in full swing, and floating rounds of cocktails permeate the garden outside, until the air is alive with chatter and laughter, and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot, and enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each other’s names.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby)

"His gorgeous pink rag of a suit made a bright spot of color"(102). Not pink, but close.

More people waiting in style outside the Met.

There were also student-led tours through the American Wing should guests choose to do so.

In the spirit of the Great American Novel, the College Group at the Met invites you to celebrate the opening of the Museum’s New American Wing. Guests are encouraged to don attire inspired by the party-throwing, mansion-building, and art-loving Americans of the early 20th century—such as those who might have attended Jay Gatsby’s lavish soirees.

The honor will be entirely ours, old sport.