Can you stand going to the Met Museum during the holidays? I happen to love the tree and creche they put on display each year. The figures are rich in kitsch, which (if that's not your thing) could be a pain. But let me tell you about another reasons to press the flesh at the Met.

Art & Love In Renaissance Italy is an interesting, complex and very smart exhibit at the Met until February 16, 2009. I saw it under what was, for me, ideal conditions: an unmobbed pre-view with curators' introducing many of the objects and paintings. The show has not received the raves I think it deserves. See the NY Times review here as an example The NY Times has also posted a slide show of a few of the 160 items in the exhibit. You can also check out these YouTubes of exhibit items. But trust me -- seeing them up front and personal is better.

It's not a big show, it's not a blockbuster. But, if, like me, you get museumed-out after too many masterpieces, this may be the show for you. In addition the Met has devoted two rooms to Renaissance pornography including some poetry in praise of anal intercourse and a plate depicting a male figure which, on closer inspection, is composed of penises.

My favorite time to go to the Met Museum is late Fri or Sat afternoons when chamber music (free), wine and cheese (pricey) are available in the gallery and crowds thin out. Of course, many of us New Yorkers know that the $20.00 admission price tag is deceptive. The Met Museum is pay what you wish.