Met Cloisters (Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan)

By Sam Baldwin

99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040

What?

Nestled in the serene setting of Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan, the Met Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. This museum offers a retreat into the past, featuring an extensive collection of medieval artworks, tapestries, and illuminated manuscripts housed within a building that echoes the design of a European medieval monastery.

The Cloisters is not only a museum but also a gateway to a bygone era, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens inspired by those of the Middle Ages. The tranquility of its location and the richness of its collections provide a unique and contemplative experience, inviting visitors to explore art and culture amidst the backdrop of modern city life.

The Story

The Met Cloisters is located in Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan. It is a journey back to medieval Europe in the heart of modern New York City. This unique museum was conceived by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in the 1920s, who sought to offer New Yorkers a tranquil retreat and an educational resource. The Cloisters was constructed using elements from five medieval French cloisters, transported and meticulously reassembled, opening to the public in 1938. Its collection, which includes the famed Unicorn Tapestries, spans several centuries of European medieval art.

The Cloisters not only serves as a museum but also as a guardian of medieval heritage, offering visitors a tangible link to the past. Its location in Fort Tryon Park, overlooking the Hudson River, enhances the contemplative experience, inviting comparisons between the ancient and the contemporary. Through its art, architecture, and gardens, The Cloisters continues to tell the story of a bygone era, fostering an appreciation for history and the arts in a bustling modern metropolis.

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What Is The Cloisters Famous For?

The Met Cloisters is famous for its unparalleled collection of medieval European art, architecture, and gardens. Situated in a serene park overlooking the Hudson River, it offers a unique blend of art, history, and nature.

The museum’s medieval cloisters, chapels, and halls are home to thousands of works of art, including the renowned Unicorn Tapestries, creating an immersive experience of the Middle Ages. The Cloisters is also celebrated for its thematic gardens, which are based on medieval horticultural practices and provide a peaceful retreat within the bustling city.

Did You Know?

• The Cloisters museum and gardens were designed to resemble a medieval European monastery, incorporating elements from five French cloistered abbeys.
• The museum houses over 5,000 works of art from the 12th through the 15th centuries, including the famous Unicorn Tapestries.
• The Met Cloisters includes a medieval herb garden, planted according to historical texts and still maintained today.
• It is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to medieval art.

How To Get There?

Go to the Cloisters by taking the bus, train, and subway lines:

Bus: BX7, M101

Train: HUDSON

Subway: 1, A

Nearest Parking and Cost

There are two free public parking areas in the park. Space is limited and parking is timed.

Nearby Attractions – Make A Day Of It!

At The Cloisters? Surrounding attractions offer a serene escape into art and nature.

• Central Park

New York’s Central Park is a sprawling urban oasis, offering a peaceful retreat with its vast greenery, iconic landmarks, and recreational spaces.

• Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center

Wave Hill in NYC is a peaceful and beautiful public garden where you can enjoy nature, art, and cultural events.

Top 5 Closest Hidden Gems – Recommended By Adventure Clues

Your Hidden Gems Itinerary

1. Start your day at The Cloisters.
2. Then, go to Central Park and feel the relaxing and serene surroundings.
3. Take a leisurely walk to The High Line, a unique elevated park with stunning city views.
4. Explore the diverse offerings of Chelsea Market, a short subway ride from The High Line.
5. Enjoy the charming streets of Greenwich Village, easily accessible by subway or bus.
6. Conclude your day in Union Square, a bustling hub for shopping and entertainment, using public transportation.

In a day exploring from The Cloisters, you’ll encounter a mix of art, nature, and vibrant neighborhoods, highlighting the diverse and rich cultural tapestry that defines New York City’s hidden gems.

Best Eateries Around

Discover some recommended food establishments near The Cloisters.

• Cloister Grill

Cloister Grill in New York City offers a cozy dining experience with a menu that combines classic and modern flavors, providing a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying grilled dishes.

• Cafe Bloom

Cafe Bloom in New York City offers a cozy dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, serving up a diverse menu of delicious dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Entry Price to The Met Cloisters in Upper Manhattan

The ticket prices are:
$30 for adults
$22 for seniors
$17 for students.

Free for Members, Patrons, children under 12, and a caregiver accompanying a visitor with a disability.

All tickets include exhibitions and same-day entry to both Met locations for the date on your ticket.

Final Thoughts

The Cloisters, a serene retreat in Upper Manhattan, offers a journey back in time. Home to the Met’s collection of medieval art, its tranquil gardens and ancient architecture transport visitors to a bygone era, making it a haven for art lovers and history aficionados.

The Cloisters FAQs

Explore common queries about the Met Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When is the best time to visit The Cloisters?

Evaluate the weather and crowd sizes to select a travel time.

What is The Met Cloisters?

The Met Cloisters is situated in Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan (Washington Heights neighborhood, near 190th Street), The Cloisters focuses specifically on the art and architecture of medieval Europe. It features reconstructed elements from medieval monasteries, like the Fuentidueña Apse from Spain (a 12th-century architectural gem), and incorporates beautiful gardens designed based on medieval practices.

Standing in stark contrast to the contemporary masterpiece, Met Breuer, The Cloisters boasts a fascinating history. Visionary sculptor George Grey Barnard began collecting medieval artifacts in the early 20th century.  Unable to properly display his treasures, he built a gallery known as the original Cloisters on Fort Washington Avenue in 1914.

Philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. recognized the potential and, with the help of architect Charles Collens, transformed Barnard’s collection into a grand museum experience.

Can you tell me about the history of The Cloisters?

The history of The Cloisters is closely tied with philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., who purchased land at Fort Tryon Park and donated it to the city of New York, along with financing the museum’s construction. The architectural design by Charles Collens ingeniously incorporated elements from medieval European structures. Since its inauguration in 1938, it has been governed by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and has grown in its collection and educational offerings, becoming a key repository of medieval art.

What are some of the highlights in The Cloisters collection?

The famed Unicorn Tapestries are among the museum’s highlights, alongside stunning stained glass windows and exquisite frescoes. Explore architectural elements from Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in southern France, including the Trie Cloister, all incorporated into the building’s design.

The Cuxa Cloister, a tranquil courtyard surrounded by architectural columns from a medieval monastery, provides a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into monastic life. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of medieval manuscripts, illuminated with exquisite detail, showcasing the artistry of medieval bookmaking.

Another notable feature is the Merode Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Northern Renaissance art, which captures intricate details of domestic life in the 15th century. Additionally, The Cloisters’ gardens, designed based on historical horticultural information, are planted with species known in the Middle Ages, enhancing the medieval atmosphere and offering a sensory experience of the period.

How can visitors best enjoy The Cloisters?

Visitors to The Cloisters can best enjoy the museum by taking part in guided tours, which offer insightful commentary on the collection and the history of the building itself. These tours provide context to the art and architecture, enriching the visitor experience. Additionally, spending time in the gardens is a must, as they offer a quiet space to reflect and enjoy the beauty of medieval garden design.

The museum also offers educational programs and workshops that delve deeper into medieval art and culture, suitable for all ages. For those looking to commemorate their visit, the museum shop offers a selection of books, jewelry, and other items inspired by the museum’s collection. Lastly, visitors should allow themselves enough time to fully immerse in the tranquil atmosphere and the detailed artistry of the exhibits, making their visit both educational and rejuvenating.

Is The Cloisters in Upper Manhattan a museum or an exhibition?

The Cloisters serves as both a museum and an exhibition space, showcasing a vast collection of works ranging from tapestries to metalwork. The Cloisters museum, opened in 1938 and inspired by the art found in medieval cloisters, offers visitors a journey through the Middle Ages with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It is a city landmark and an essential place to visit for those interested in religious art and cultural heritage.

Is The Met Cloisters the same as The Met Fifth Avenue?

No, The Met Cloisters and The Met Fifth Avenue are two separate locations of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, although both are located in New York City. The Met Fifth Avenue is the main building on Fifth Avenue in southern Manhattan. It houses a vast collection of art spanning all cultures and historical periods. You can easily spend a day exploring both locations, but they offer distinct experiences.

Sources

https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/met-cloisters
https://www.metmuseum.org/press/news/2006/the-cloisters-a-history
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d106609-Reviews-The_Met_Cloisters-New_York_City_New_York.html
https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Met_Cloisters-NYCNJ-site_30024658-121
https://www.forttryonparktrust.org/sites/parking-the-met-cloisters/
https://www.wavehill.org/
https://www.cafebloomnyc.com/