Description

A New York Times bestseller and named one of the best books of the year by the New York Public Library, the Financial Times, the New York Post, Book Riot, and the Sunday Times (London), this book is a deeply moving and beautifully written exploration of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its wonders. Former New Yorker staffer Patrick Bringley offers an “exquisite” (The Washington Post) and “hauntingly beautiful” (Associated Press) memoir of his decade as a museum guard, revealing the hidden life within one of the world’s most famous cultural institutions.

Every year, millions of visitors ascend the grand marble staircase of the Met to experience its treasures. But only a select few gain unfettered access to every corner of its vast two-million-square-foot space—the guards dressed in dark blue suits, silently watching over its priceless collections. Bringley never imagined he’d be among them. Focused on his promising career at The New Yorker, he was abruptly pulled in a different direction when his older brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Seeking refuge from the noise of everyday life, he left his prestigious job and immersed himself in the most serene and beautiful place he knew.

What was meant to be a temporary retreat became a decade-long journey. As he moves through the museum, Bringley watches over pieces from Egypt to Rome, navigates hidden corridors beneath the galleries, and wears through nine pairs of work shoes. At first withdrawn and introspective, he gradually finds connection—with the art, with the stories behind the masterpieces, and with his fellow guards, a diverse and fascinating mix of artists, musicians, immigrants, and dreamers. Over time, the museum becomes more than just a refuge—it becomes a place of healing, offering him a deeper appreciation for both the world within its walls and the one beyond them.

Reminiscent of beloved workplace memoirs like Lab Girl and Working Stiff, All the Beauty in the World is an “empathic” (The New York Times Book Review), “moving” (NPR), and “consoling, and beautiful” (The Guardian) reflection on art, loss, and human connection. With Bringley’s keen insight and intimate perspective, this book offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the life of a museum and those who help bring it to life.