Cloisters | New York

The Cloisters is a museum dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, located in Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan, New York City.

It is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is composed of reconstructed medieval French cloisters, including the Unicorn Tapestries. The exterior features rough-hewn stone, with arched windows and crenellated battlements. Interior spaces are characterized by vaulted ceilings, stone columns, and tiled floors. The museum is situated on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River.

Location & Access Logistics

The Cloisters is located at 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040. It is approximately 16km north of Midtown Manhattan. Access by car involves taking the Henry Hudson Parkway North to Exit 16 (207th Street). Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the museum, with additional metered parking on nearby streets. Public transport options include the A train to 190th Street station, followed by a 10-minute walk north through Fort Tryon Park, or the M4 bus line which stops directly at the park entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Cloisters was designed by American architect Charles Collens and opened in 1938. It was built using architectural elements from five medieval French abbeys, including the cloisters of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, and the Abbey of Fontfroide. The site itself is part of Fort Tryon Park, a 66-acre public park established in the 1930s on land formerly owned by the Havemeyer family.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the four distinct cloister gardens, each representing different medieval monastic garden types. The museum houses significant works of medieval art, including the famed Unicorn Tapestries. Self-guided tours are available, and audio guides can be rented. Photography without flash is permitted in most areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the ground floor. Limited seating is provided throughout the galleries. There is no dedicated food service within the museum, but a cafe is located in Fort Tryon Park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the park and museum.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal natural light within the cloisters and gardens, visit during late morning or mid-afternoon. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for exploring the park and museum. Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than weekends.

Facts & Legends

The Unicorn Tapestries, a series of seven tapestries depicting the hunt of the unicorn, are a central attraction. While their exact origin is debated, they are believed to have been woven in the Southern Netherlands around 1500. A local legend suggests that the land for Fort Tryon Park was once owned by a wealthy family who believed the site was haunted by the spirits of Revolutionary War soldiers.

Nearby Landmarks

• Fort Tryon Park (0km)
• The Met Cloisters Gardens (0km)
• Bennett Park (1.5km Southwest)
• Inwood Hill Park (2.0km Northwest)
• Columbia University (4.5km South)