The Annual Report is issued by the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the end of each fiscal year. The early reports (1871-1881) covered the year ending on May 1st and later reports (1882-1970) covered the year ending on Dec. 31st. Currently (1971-present) it covers the period from July 1st through June 30th and is issued each year in mid-November. From the years 1946 to 1970 the reports were included within the museum’s Bulletin. The earliest reports included a statement by the President of the museum that briefly touched upon finances, acquisitions, and classes. Currently included in the annual report are three narrative reports: a joint narrative by the Director and the President detailing significant events; a report on finance; and a summary of educational activities. Also included are lists of the year's art acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, awarded fellowships, loans, and supporters.

The 77^th-100^th Annual Reports for the years 1946-1969/1970 were issued with The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin where they can be found in New Series, Vols. 6-29.