The Cloisters is a museum located in Upper Manhattan, New York City, dedicated to the art, architecture, and gardens of medieval Europe. It’s a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Cloisters was built between 1934 and 1938 and officially opened to the public in May 1938.
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It was designed by architect Charles Collens and funded largely by John D. Rockefeller Jr., who also donated the surrounding land (Fort Tryon Park) and financed the acquisition of many of the museum’s medieval elements.
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The museum was constructed using authentic architectural elements from European monasteries and abbeys—primarily from France and Spain—that were dismantled, shipped to New York, and reassembled to create the current structure.
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Some of the cloisters incorporated into the building come from:
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Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa
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Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert
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Trie-sur-Baïse
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Bonnefont-en-Comminges
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While The Cloisters is a modern construction, its materials and style are deeply rooted in medieval European architecture, making it feel like stepping into a different time period.
Collections: Includes medieval sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and tapestries. One of the most famous pieces is The Unicorn Tapestries, a series of seven woven works from the late 15th century.
Gardens: Designed to reflect the style of medieval monastic gardens, often featuring herbs, flowers, and plants known from medieval texts.
Location: Overlooks the Hudson River, offering beautiful views and a peaceful retreat from the city.
Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY.
Your ticket to the Met (Fifth Avenue) also includes same-day admission to The Cloisters.
