Claim to Fame
The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to medieval European art and architecture—housed in a landmark Gothic-style complex overlooking the Hudson River and famed for its reconstructed chapels and lush herb gardens.
📌 Navigating Cloisters : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Washrooms: Public washrooms are available in the Cloisters.
- Hours of Operation: The Cloisters is open daily from 10 AM to 5:15 PM.
- Important Information: The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, specializing in medieval European art and architecture.
- Admission Fee: An admission fee is required to enter the Cloisters.
- How Long to Visit: A visit to the Cloisters typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
- Parking: Parking is available at various public lots near the Cloisters.
- Family Friendly: The Cloisters is family-friendly, with exhibits and activities for all ages.
- Photography: The Cloisters is picturesque and excellent for photography.
- WIFI: Free public WIFI is available in some areas of the Cloisters.
- Picnic Area: There are no designated picnic areas within the Cloisters grounds.
- Handicap Accessible: The Cloisters is accessible for visitors with disabilities.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Cloisters, except for service animals.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Cloisters are available.
- Restaurant or Cafe: The Cloisters has a cafe offering light meals and beverages.
- Gift Shop: The gift shop at the Cloisters offers a variety of medieval-themed souvenirs.
Photos of Cloisters
Perched atop Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, The Cloisters transports visitors to 12th–15th-century Europe through its assemblage of chapels, cloister walkways, and period furnishings. Constructed from authentic stone elements salvaged from French and Spanish monasteries, this serene museum showcases illuminated manuscripts, tapestry masterpieces like the Unicorn Tapestries, and devotional sculptures—set within a fortress-like building crowned by towers and surrounded by fragrant medieval gardens.
What to Expect
As you enter through the fortified archway, you’ll wander under vaulted stone ceilings along cloister galleries lined with carved capitals and Gothic arch windows framing Hudson River views. Highlights include the Fuentidueña Chapel’s 12th-century apse; the Hall of the Five Senses with Romanesque capitals; and the illuminated manuscript room featuring the Très Riches Heures. Seasonal gardens—apothecary, herb, and meadow—bloom alongside chapels, while period music gently echoes in the halls.
Audio guides and gallery talks illuminate the medieval context of each room. The Museum Shop offers facsimile manuscripts, handcrafted jewelry, and medieval-inspired gifts. Don’t miss the rooftop garden’s panorama of the Palisades across the river.
Background and Cultural Context
Founded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and opened in 1938, The Cloisters was designed by architect Charles Collens to evoke European monastic architecture. Rockefeller assembled over 2,000 architectural elements—arches, doorways, garden statues—from monasteries in France and Spain. His vision created an immersive setting for the Metropolitan’s renowned medieval collection, reflecting early 20th-century fascination with Romantic medievalism.
The museum’s collections span devotional art, stained glass, and everyday objects—illuminating medieval spirituality, feudal society, and monastic life. The Cloisters participates in international loan programs and conservation research, ensuring medieval masterpieces endure for future generations.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10–11:30 AM) offer tranquil galleries and garden light for photography. Spring (April–May) reveals blooming herbs and meadow flowers, while autumn (September–October) brings golden ivy on stone walls. Weekends can be busy; consider late afternoons (2–4 PM) for fewer crowds and softer river light.
How to Get There
The Cloisters is at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive in Fort Tryon Park. Subway: A train to 190th Street; walk west through the park along Margaret Corbin Drive. Bus: the M4 stops at Pinehurst Avenue & Fort Washington Avenue, with a short uphill stroll. Limited parking is available nearby; cycling and taxi drop-offs at the park entrance are also options.
Photo Opportunities
- Arched colonnade of the Cuxa Cloister with Gothic capitals against the sky
- The Unicorn Tapestries gallery, capturing the verdant tapestry details
- Fuentidueña Chapel’s apse with pale stone columns and windows
- Herb garden paths lined with lavender and medicinal plants in bloom
- Rooftop terrace view overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades cliffs
Travel Tips
- Reserve timed-entry tickets online to ensure entry and skip the line.
- Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to explore both galleries and gardens at a leisurely pace.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the site’s stone floors and garden paths can be uneven.
- Download the Met’s audio guide app for detailed medieval context and commentary.
- Combine with nearby Fort Tryon Park walks and the Heather Garden for a full day in nature.
FAQs
Is admission included with Met tickets?
Yes—general admission to the Metropolitan Museum covers The Cloisters, but timed tickets are required.
Are gardens open year-round?
Gardens are open seasonally (spring–fall); indoor galleries remain open in winter.
Is The Cloisters accessible?
The museum offers elevator access to most galleries and accessible restrooms; inquire at the Visitor Desk for assistance.
Can I take photos inside?
Non-flash photography is permitted in most galleries; tripods and commercial equipment require prior permission.
Final Thoughts
The Cloisters offers a peaceful voyage into medieval art and architecture hidden within New York City. Its harmonious blend of historic stone structures, illuminated treasures, and fragrant gardens creates an unforgettable atmosphere—one where centuries-old spirituality and beauty continue to resonate today.