The Cloisters

Overview

The Cloisters is the Metropolitan Museum's branch for medieval European art and architecture, built from elements of five medieval French cloisters reassembled in Fort Tryon Park at Manhattan's northern tip.

Highlights

• The Unicorn Tapestries: Seven spectacular medieval tapestries (c. 1500) depicting the hunt of the unicorn, among the most beautiful and mysterious artworks in the world.
• Medieval Architecture: Actual Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements — columns, arches, chapels — transported from European monasteries and reconstructed stone by stone.
• The Gardens: Medieval herb gardens planted with species documented in medieval manuscripts, offering fragrant, peaceful cloistered courtyards.

History

Opened in 1938, largely funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr., who also donated the surrounding Fort Tryon Park. The architectural elements come from five French medieval abbeys, purchased and shipped to New York by sculptor George Grey Barnard.

Visitor Tips

• Same-Day Met Ticket: Your Met admission ticket includes same-day access to The Cloisters (and vice versa).
• Fort Tryon Park: The surrounding park offers spectacular views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.