Visit the Cloisters Medieval Wonders of The Cloisters
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Visit the Cloisters

Things To Do In New York City

Medieval Wonders of The Cloisters
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Navigating The Cloisters : Answers to common questions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

    Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.

    The Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, is a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. Nestled atop a hill overlooking the Hudson River, The Cloisters offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City, transporting visitors back in time to the Middle Ages. This unique museum, with its collection of European medieval art, is housed in a structure that is itself a tapestry of historic architecture, incorporating elements from five medieval French cloisters.

    The museum's collection encompasses approximately 2,000 works of art, including illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, metalwork, enamels, sculptures, and tapestries. Among its most treasured pieces are the Unicorn Tapestries, a series of seven exquisite woven artworks depicting the hunt of the mythical unicorn, renowned for their intricate detail and symbolic imagery. The Cloisters also houses a collection of medieval reliquaries, altarpieces, and statues, each piece telling its own story of faith, artistry, and daily life in medieval Europe.

    Architecture plays a crucial role in the experience of visiting The Cloisters. The building, designed by architect Charles Collens in the 1930s, was conceived to evoke the atmosphere of a medieval European monastery. Its galleries are arranged around a series of courtyards, each reflecting a different aspect of medieval monastic architecture. The Cuxa, Bonnefont, and Trie cloisters, among others, provide tranquil settings that enhance the contemplation of the artworks and the architectural elements themselves, such as columns, capitals, and cloister arcades.

    The gardens of The Cloisters are an integral part of the museum, designed to reflect the horticultural practices of the Middle Ages. Plants grown in the museum's gardens are those that would have been familiar to people living in medieval Europe, including medicinal herbs, vegetables, and flowers used for religious symbolism. The gardens not only add to the museum's aesthetic appeal but also serve as a living connection to the past, offering insights into the role of plants in medieval life and art.

    Throughout the year, The Cloisters hosts a variety of educational programs, concerts, and guided tours that further explore the themes of its collection and the medieval period. These programs, along with the museum's tranquil setting and its breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, make The Cloisters a unique cultural destination in New York City. For those seeking a moment of peace and reflection, as well as for lovers of history and art, The Cloisters provides an unparalleled experience that bridges the gap between the past and the present.

    Did You Know These Facts About The Cloisters ?

    The museum is designed to resemble a medieval European monastery and incorporates architectural elements from various historic sites.

    The Cloisters' gardens feature medieval plants, many of which are cultivated based on historical records and manuscripts.

    The Cloisters is home to the famous Unicorn Tapestries, a series of seven tapestries depicting the hunt for a unicorn.

    The museum is set within Fort Tryon Park, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape.

    The Cloisters, located in Upper Manhattan, is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art specializing in medieval European art and architecture.

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    Verified & Trusted Contact Information for The Cloisters

    Address:

    The Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040, USA

    Official Website: www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/the-cloisters

    Latitude: 40.8649

    Longitude: -73.9317

    Map for The Cloisters

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