The Met — Collection search

Browse & DiscoverySee it livemetmuseum.org

A museum collection search links artwork imagery with filters and object context.

The Met — Collection search — captured interface — Page excerpt · scroll inside to explore

Source capture · 2026-09-04Open full image ↗

Search & discovery

Why this pattern works

Make visual browsing work alongside precise collection metadata.

Design notes

Surface: Collection search
Navigation: Search and filters remain above the grid, with consistent title and date information below each artwork.
Layout: Artwork cards sit below search, collection filters, and a result count.
Density: Use consistent spacing within repeated information so headings, values, and secondary details remain easy to compare.
Color: White surfaces and dark labels keep attention on varied artwork images.
Type: Use a clear type hierarchy for the page title, primary content, and supporting labels.
Pattern: Make visual browsing work alongside precise collection metadata.
States: Public collection results with no user account or saved selection.
Don't: Do not copy brand assets or sample records. Preserve keyboard access and design empty, loading, and error states for the actual task.

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Prompt text

# My project
[Describe the product, audience, and screen you want to improve]

Stack: Use the existing project stack
Task: Implement the interface and verify the result in the existing project.

## Tool guidance (Any AI tool)
Use available project tools to inspect, implement, and test. State any unavailable capabilities.

# Design reference: The Met — Collection search
Source: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search
Swipefile reference: https://swipefile.design/ref/met-collection/
Captured: 2026-09-04. This is a dated reference, not a claim about the current live product.
Capture scope: a page excerpt. Do not infer unseen sections or interactions.

## Objective
Adapt the interaction and layout patterns below to my project. Use my own content and identity. Do not reproduce logos, proprietary copy, or brand assets.

## Reference notes
- surface: Collection search
- nav: Search and filters remain above the grid, with consistent title and date information below each artwork.
- layout: Artwork cards sit below search, collection filters, and a result count.
- density: Use consistent spacing within repeated information so headings, values, and secondary details remain easy to compare.
- color: White surfaces and dark labels keep attention on varied artwork images.
- typography: Use a clear type hierarchy for the page title, primary content, and supporting labels.
- pattern: Make visual browsing work alongside precise collection metadata.
- states: Public collection results with no user account or saved selection.
- dont: Do not copy brand assets or sample records. Preserve keyboard access and design empty, loading, and error states for the actual task.

Useful for: Make visual browsing work alongside precise collection metadata.

## Acceptance criteria
- Existing project conventions, design tokens, working functionality, and unrelated changes are preserved.
- Two or three reference principles clearly support the user's task; conflicts are resolved in favor of usability and the existing product.
- Reusable components and semantic HTML express the interface. Available licensed assets are used; important UI text is never rendered as a bitmap.
- Every visible control has a defined behavior. Loading, empty, error, success, disabled, and long-content states are specified where relevant. Demo data is clearly labeled.
- Navigation and content adapt at 375px, 768px, and 1440px without horizontal page overflow. Keyboard use, visible focus, labeled inputs, at least 44px touch targets, readable contrast, and reduced motion are supported.
- Verification distinguishes rendered behavior from proposals and identifies anything still requiring a backend or external service.

## Quality bar
Clear hierarchy, consistent spacing, restrained surfaces, and purposeful motion. Avoid decorative gradients, excessive cards, placeholder buttons, and invented metrics unless the project calls for them. Do not claim a feature is connected or tested without evidence.

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## Objective
Adapt the interaction and layout patterns below to my project. Use my own content and identity. Do not reproduce logos, proprietary copy, or brand assets.

Useful for: Make visual browsing work alongside precise collection metadata.

The Met — Collection search

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