The Cloisters

The Cloisters is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is dedicated primarily to the art, and architectural design of the Middle Ages. It is located in Fort Tryon Park at the northern tip of Manhattan Island in New York City, overlooking the beautiful Hudson River. The buildings are modeled after French cloisters from medieval times. The Cloisters themselves are open air quadrangles connected by passageways, and contain thousands of pieces of art from the Middle Ages. The gardens are laid out according to maps of the ancient cloisters of France, some in exact replicas of the originals. Though the artwork encompasses all of the Middle Ages, particular emphasis is placed on the twelfth through the fifteenth century, and a visit to The Cloisters is like stepping back in time. Admission to The Cloisters is covered with general admission to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the hours are similar. Group tours are available with advance notice, and there is a café located within The Cloisters themselves, so you won’t have to leave to get a meal. Since much of what’s enjoyable at The Cloisters is outdoors, it’s best to visit during nice weather, when you can take full advantage of both the architectural and horticultural beauty of this place.

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