The Cloisters
Medieval European art in a building assembled from parts of five French cloisters, on a bluff over the Hudson.
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This is the Metropolitan Museum's medieval branch, opened in 1938 on land given by John D. Rockefeller Jr, who also bought the New Jersey palisades opposite so the view across the Hudson would not be built on. The building is new but incorporates architectural elements from five French monastic cloisters, dismantled and shipped, arranged around gardens planted with species documented in medieval texts and manuscripts. The best-known holding is the set of seven Unicorn Tapestries, woven around 1500, whose meaning is still argued over. There are also the Merode Altarpiece, ivories, stained glass and reliquaries. It is a long way north of the main museum, which keeps it comparatively quiet.
What you actually see
- Elements of five French cloisters - shipped and reassembled.
- The seven Unicorn Tapestries - about 1500, meaning still debated.
- Gardens of documented medieval species - planted from texts.
- A protected view across the Hudson - the palisades were bought to keep it.
When to go
April to October for the gardens. Two to three hours.
Honest expectations
It is far uptown - allow travel time. Gardens are bare in winter. The walk from the subway through the park is uphill. Closed on some days; check before going.
Nearby
Fort Tryon Park surrounds it; Inwood Hill Park is north.
What to pack for The Cloisters
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
