The Metropolitan Museum of Art embarked its first educational venture during the winter of 1879-1880 with the establishment of a school to provide vocational training in woodworking and metalworking.
In 1880, Richard T. Auchmuty, a proponent of trade schools, offered the Museum rent-free use of a building he had newly erected on 1st Avenue between 67th and 68th Streets.
At the 1st Avenue location, 143 students studied drawing and design, modeling and carving, carriage drafting, decoration in distemper and plumbing.
The school soon relocated to the upper floors of the Glass Hall building, 214-216 East 34th Street, where it remained until 1887.
In 1892 advance courses were instituted and prominent artist John La Farge was hired as instructor.